Saw X

I'm a huge fan of this series. I love the original 7 and I mildly enjoy Jigsaw and Spiral. I was excited for another chapter and was not disappointed. This is a great addition to the series.

Just like with the other sequels, this continues to add layers to the backstory and lore with interesting new material. And of course we have lots of cool and gruesome traps. But in many ways, this chapter is different from any of the previous.

For one thing, it takes it's time building story and character. The pace ends up slower because of this, but I think it's worth it. Everything feels more fleshed out (unintended pun). We don't see the hyper-editing style this franchise is known for. And the movie overall feels a bit higher in quality of filmmaking.

My only downside is a lack of surprises, for me at least. I think it might work better for people who aren't as familiar with this franchise as I am.

I had a fun bloody time with this movie and look forward to any future chapters in this series. More games. More blood. More, please. (1 viewing, opening Thursday EMAX 9/28/2023)

Great to see Saw franchise back in theaters and not another spinoff. It's been 13 years since I got to enjoy an actual Saw movie in theaters and I got to say I was not disappointed! Without spoiling anything, make sure to hang around after the credits roll. I remember getting hooked on this franchise in October of 2004 as a college kid, expecting something like the movie Seven going in, but leaving not fully knowing that would become my favorite movie of all time. 19 years later I'm still a Saw junkie! This entry, while still very much a Saw movie, was different, but in a good way. The pacing felt like Saw 3 as did the tone. It had good length and did not feel rushed like some of the unfortunate sequels that between Saw 5-3D. This blew Jigsaw and Spiral out of the water!! It's also a movie that would mostly make sense for a new viewer never having seen a Saw movie but also is still going to please most hardcore fans. There weren't as many rabbit holes as I had hoped for but still some surprises. The twist certainly wasn't the best and was not jaw dropping at all, partly because I saw part of it coming a ways off, but this movie didn't need a twist to be great. Saw X is truly a tribute and story for John Kramer, just as we heard it would be. Violence level is right at the top of what we've seen, but more realistic like the early entries and not over the top cheesy violence like in later sequels. That's about all I can say, so enjoy it!

The Saw movies are those we go into with the lowest of expectations, and even then there have been instances of utter disappointment (think Saw 3D or Jigsaw). But now, for almost the first time since Saw II in 2005, there finally is a "good" Saw movie. Yes, actually good.

Saw X does two very important things that make it work so well. The first is that we now have a movie where John Kramer is finally the main character. Rather than having to learn about him through his victims, like was so for the 8 other movies he was in, we finally get to know John Kramer through John Kramer. The second is that we're finally on John's side, essentially rooting for a serial killer, because the "players" in this movie are written to be some of the most disgustingly scummy people on Earth.

Saw X is much longer (with a runtime of 118 minutes) compared to the 9 other movies (all of which average at 90), and is paced much slower too; which quite honestly works really well. The games are decent, the violence is unwatchable (which in Saw language means it's good) and we also get a few fun Easter eggs.

There is yet one major disappointment, but that's spoiler territory since it has to do with the ending, so I will ignore that for now. Other than that, the movie was surprisingly good and I honestly did enjoy it more than I thought I would. If you have been keeping up with the Saw movies, definitely go check it out in cinemas!

Hard to believe the same director and writers that produced the trash of the previous few installments, could deliver such a strong and refreshing take on the Saw franchise.

For seemingly the first time - Saw X takes pause to develop story and characters, which does a beautiful job at building tension in anticipation for what you know is coming, and the pay off is more grizzly than I could have imagined...and boy was it grizzly.

In addition to the 'poster trap' being (in my opinion) the most visually iconic, and eerie looking trap in the whole series. The 'Twist' in Saw X, is that the movie is surprisingly good.

9/10 for a Saw movie. 7/10 as a regular movie.

'Saw X' returns with fervor to the franchise's unsettling realms, aligning its haunting narrative to explore the exploitation inherent in the current anti-big pharma rhetoric. Despite its stance, the anti-big pharma movement is just as profit-driven as big pharma; but as depicted here, its unregulated nature can lead to highly destructive actions severely impacting individuals' lives.

At 81, Tobin Bell reprises his iconic role as John Kramer with remarkable vitality, maintaining the character's haunting grip on the audience with his enduring portrayal. It was also a nostalgic and incredibly rewarding experience to see the return of Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young.

The narrative is seamless and compelling, guiding the audience through its labyrinth of moral quandaries with an impactful flow.

The victims in this installment are framed as some of the most deserving in the series, heightening the film's moral ambiguity and intensifying the notions of retribution among viewers.

Despite the climactic twist being predictable, it retains its satisfying essence.

'Saw X' is a compelling blend of socially pertinent themes, stellar performances, and satisfying narrative, providing a lingering experience. All in all, it's my second favourite film in the saw franchise.