Saw X

The story is actually a sequel to the first film... And I quite liked the direction the creators of the series took. I really had no idea what to expect from Saw X. The first half was rather slow-paced (which isn't standard for this series... that change was refreshing). But then it hit hard. John Kramer broke loose! The traps were once again meticulously designed (some surprised with their brutality). And the ending? The central twist worked. Yeah, nobody’s going to take down Kramer easily. I give it a solid 7/10. P.S. The post-credits scene deserves a star. (09/03/2024)

Over the course of its two-hour runtime, Saw X first attempts to be a drama about dying of cancer and later wants to knock us out with sophisticated twists, but it’s all for nothing due to the pervasive imbecility of the screenwriting and directing. By imbecility, I mean the stylization of the sadistic serial killer into the role of martyr and judge, with whom we are supposed to sympathies when he seeks a life-saving treatment, and whom we are then supposed to root for in the slaughter of those who screwed him over. The punishment of the main antagonist is the least “satisfying”, even though we spend the whole film waiting for it. By imbecility, I also mean the comically overwrought scene with intestines and the fact that it doesn’t occur to the characters to turn their heads to the side so that the blood doesn’t run onto their faces as they are being “waterboarded” with the red stuff. And I’m not even going to get into the abilities of one of the victims in performing surgery on himself. I like HORROR more than most viewers, so it bothers me all the more when it’s handled like a genre for idiots. (05/10/2023)

Certainly better than I expected when the next Saw was announced (the best since the sixth installment), but at the same time not so good that I understand the surprisingly high ratings across film databases. It benefits from the fact that Jigsaw's main antagonist is an incredible bastard, and that the film thus breaks slightly from the existing template by making Kramer and his sidekicks the protagonists. It would have worked better, though, in my opinion, if this approach had come right after the first original episode. It's too late now, especially knowing all that's been (and will be) going on, and this is really an unplanned padding made out of necessity after the creators eliminated the villain too soon, driving the series into a dead end in which it has hopelessly sunk deeper and deeper over time. (23/10/2023)

A leporello of a favorite antagonist and familiar characters and supporting players against a background of a story that is banal and gaunt, at least in terms of enriching the story. I am fascinated by the return to the original and after so many episodes, even the diligent continuation or pre-continuation of something that has ended several times, but it's not enough. The best impression I can offer is really just that at least we are not just turning in repeated restarts, which is unique at the moment. However, I want more, so twists that will upset me, not resolutions I see coming from the first minutes and unfair traps that only make me frown. (28/12/2023)

I’ve always been a big fan of the Saw series, especially during its peak in the early 2000s. Over time, my enthusiasm has mellowed, and my tastes have shifted, but I still have a soft spot for it. So, I was really curious about the tenth installment, though I was a bit apprehensive about the two-hour runtime. After watching, I can say the length is justified and fits well within the narrative. Saw X doesn’t push the story forward; instead, it dives deep into John Kramer’s character, exploring his psychology, humanity, and vulnerabilities. The first part of the film takes its time, carefully setting up a strong foundation for what’s to come. And of course, being a Saw movie, it eventually kicks into high gear, delivering the intense traps and gore that fans expect and crave. Some of the traps are especially brutal, ensuring that gore enthusiasts will be satisfied. One particular trap involving the brain brought to mind the iconic scene from Hannibal, and I’d rank it among the best the series has ever offered – a few minutes of extreme intensity that really got my nerves on edge. Fans of the series should be pleased, as this installment hits all the right notes. If this is Tobin Bell’s final outing as John Kramer, it’s a fitting swan song. By the way, out of all ten films, the only real dud in my opinion is Jigsaw. For such a prolific series, that’s quite an achievement. (28/09/2023)