I want to play a game with you...

I saw (pun intended) Saw 4 recently and i have to say I enjoyed it. Unlike most people I have constantly been impressed by these movies. Mainly because of the iconic traps, and the inevitable twists that come at the end of the movies. The story is always griping because you learn more and more about the main subjects (or victims) and what links them together.

This most recent one centers around SWAT Commander Rigg (Lyriq Bent), as he is forced to play Jigsaw's game in order to save his partner and friend Detective Eric Mason (Donnie Wahlberg). It also goes back and explains how John Kramer (Tobin Bell), became the twisted mastermind known as Jigsaw.

Through a series of flashbacks we learn the John Kramer was a brilliant engineer. He had a beautiful wife, and was starting up his brand new company. Things went south for John when his wife was struck by a door that was kicked open by a junkie in the rehab facility she worked for. Their child died, taking a piece of John with it. Right after that he discovers he has cancer. This news pushes John over the edge, in more ways than one. After a failed attempt to take his own life he realizes life is the most precious thing we have, and there are several people who take it for granted. With a new purpose for his remaining years of life John sets out to help those, who refuse to help themselves. By forcing them confront their demons and to play his games. Aside from explaining his transformation, it also shows where the idea for the pig mask came from, and explains what's up with his creepy little puppet and red tricycle. it was a nice touch, one that was never needed, but it was nice to learn there was a reason behind them.

Now back to Rigg. Rigg is obsessed with saving everyone. So much so that he puts his own safety at risk. It is a noble obsession, but an obsession non the less. One that eventually drives his wife away, and puts him in Jigsaw's sights. The game Rigg has to play is similar to Saw 3. Where as in Saw 3, Jeff (Angus Macfadyen) had to navigate through a series of rooms. In the center of each room was a trap holding one of the three people, who were responsible for Jeff's pain. You see his son was killed by a drunk driver. During the trial the only other witness never showed up, so the judge gave the guilty party a reduced sentence. The first room contains the eye witness that never showed, the second contains the judge that didn't deliver justice, and the third contains the man who killed his son. Jeff is tasked with putting his hate and frustration behind him in order to save these people. To make it harder Jeff will have to cause himself physical and emotional pain in order to do so. Now, back on track. Rigg has to do the opposite. He must do nothing, and let the doomed save themselves. He has 90 minutes to follow clues that will lead him to his partner, while fighting his urge to save everyone. Rigg is even made to carry out one of Jigsaw's games, when he forces a known sexual predator to strap himself into one of Jigsaw's machines, in order to save as jigsaw saves.

My only gripe with this movie is the ending. It was meant to upset people in my mind, but still you find yourself hoping for the best. Also the surprise twist is pretty interesting, but part of it will leave you wondering. Because as we all know Jigsaw was kill at the end of Saw 3, and so was his accomplice, Amanda (Shawnee Smith). We are introduced to the man who will be taking over for Jigsaw. I guess I just wanted more back story for the new mastermind. But i'll just have to wait for Saw 5, or 6 to get that info.

All in all Saw 4 was a good movie. The story was good, the acting has been getting better, and the traps were also good. Now nothing will ever beat the trap from Saw 3, where the black dudes arms, legs and eventually his head were rotated 180 degrees. I give this movie an 8 out of 10.