Saw VI Review

Before I start let me say that this review is completely pointless. About a year ago I reviewed the first film in this series, and to my surprise it wasn't too bad. Since then I've swallowed whatever remained of my dignity and watched all of the Saw films. As I expected, they get progressively worse and, like all franchise, seem completely pointless after the third film. And even telling you that is fucking pointless; wanna know why?

It's pointless because no matter what I say, no matter what anyone says, if you're reading a review of Saw VI on the internet then you are going to go and see it. Sequel syndrome will have set in and you'll be desperately trying to convince yourself that the plot will add up. You have to see how it ends now, even though you know it won't be at all interesting – or even make sense. It happens to the best of us.

Consumerist twats.

I don't even think there's any point in my explaining the plot: it's Saw, you already know what happens. The only difference is in the traps and over-all plot progression. So, in the spirit of the review, let's completely forget intellectual superiority to the film-makers and dive straight to the only part of this writing I can possibly pass off a genuine review. Here goes: the traps are meek and the plot doesn't go anywhere.

I just reviewed Saw VI.

Now that nuisance is out of the way I'm going to indulge myself in some critical catharsis (read Aristotle bitches) and pick-up on some of the finer elements of this film. I don't think that it would be at all unfair of my to say that when you go into see a Saw film you expect to feel slightly (more and more emphasis on slightly as time goes on) repulsed, mildly bored, and thoroughly underwhelmed. You do not expect to be politically challenged in any way. Well guys, guess what. Saw VI has political commentary!

When I say political commentary I don't mean to say that Saw VI has subtle references to problems within our society, or a sense of irony, heavens no! What I mean to say is that the film desperately tries to catch up with the rest of the artistic society by bashing capitalism. I by no means absolve myself from this school of thought (having written explicitly anti-capitalist essays), however it probably says a lot more about the state of the world when the basest forms of entertainment (gore porn, a.k.a. Saw) start to pick up on the idea that being a socialist is trendy. All political arguments aside, it's unreasonable to expect an audience to swallow an entire plot based upon subtext. Without spoiling the film (irony see?), the characters depicted as evil capitalist scum within Saw VI are by no means evil in real life. By forcing them through the hell created by Jigsaw for simply doing their jobs the film doesn't make us feel like they're getting some form of divine punishment for buying into capitalism. It just makes Jigsaw look like a dick.

In fact, this annoyed me so much that I think I'm going to introduce a new element to the reviews: Writing 101. Every time a writer fucks up so bad that it makes me feel like I could hit someone they will be signposted by a new rule – lest they be foolish enough to repeat the mistake. Today's rule?

#1 – Subtext is not plot.

In conclusion, Saw VI is exactly what you expect it to be with very, very bad political commentary stapled on. To give it credit, Saw VI is no-where near as bad as Saw V and I did somewhat enjoy the time I spent with it. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone beyond fans of the franchise, the bad acting alone can kill it for a new audience member. However, if you're a fan of the Saw series (and I'd recommend seeking mental help if this is the case) by all means go and see Saw VI. Not that you need me to tell you that, you've already gone.

I'm wasting my life, aren't I?

4/10