By Cassandra Lyles, Columnist
Blood, torture, and crime, oh my! After seven years of lying dormant, the “Saw” series continues with their newest installment, “Jigsaw.” Eighth in the series, this movie takes the viewer to a place where they’ll be clutching their popcorn and shaking in fear. Directors Michael and Peter Spierig bring this classic tale back to life in this new chapter of the “Saw” series. Jigsaw is back and this time he’s taken five people he considers sinners into his workshop giving them only one duty. Confess. If they play the game, they stand a chance at mercy, break the rules and there will be consequences.
Tobin Bell, also known for his role in the 1990’s film, “Goodfellas,” returns to the screen as John Kramer, the infamous “Jigsaw” killer. Bell takes the role of the sophisticated serial killer to the next level with his gentle voice and impeccable acting. Not since Hannibal Lecter have we seen so much class in a mass murderer. Matt Passmore, an Australian actor known for his role in the hit show “The Glades” joins Bell on screen as Logan Nelson, a single widowed father and former prisoner of war. Passmore exceeds expectation and gives a performance people will remember for a lifetime.
The plot, while thrilling can be seen as repetitive. After eight movies it becomes overly predictable. It sticks to the basic plot of Jigsaw dishing just desserts to people who deserve them in an elaborate and almost artistic manner. While the cast did an incredible job with their roles and the story, one might find themselves saying “Haven’t I already watched this movie?” Even jaw dropping gore couldn’t give this movie a ambiance of unoriginality and we’re left with a “been there done that” vibe.
I cannot fully review this film without going into the emotional and moral rollercoaster it put me through. In the beginning of the movie it introduces you to the five people he is set to torture. Once bodies start falling and limbs start flying you can’t help but feel sympathy at first. Then there’s the kicker. You find out what these people have actually done to deserve to be there and you lose that sympathy, that basic merciful instinct. Perhaps what we should be afraid of is not the blood and gore from this film, but the lack of sympathy we feel as an audience for these people being murdered.
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