"Saw V" Talkback (Spoilers)

[Kolbar]

You won't believe how it ends.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ec/Saw_V_New_Poster.jpg
"Today, five people will become one, with the goal of surviving." - Jigsaw


Release Date: October 24, 2008
Studio: Lionsgate
Director: David Hackl
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell, Julie Benz, Meagan Good, Mark Rolston, Carlo Rota, Greg Bryk, Laura Gordon, Joris Jarsky, Mike Butters, Al Sapienza, Mike Realba, Lyriq Bent

Plot Summary: Forensics expert Hoffman goes on the hunt in order to protect the secret that he is the newest person to carry on Jigsaw's legacy.

Visit the official website here (http://www.saw5.com/).

Comments?

[MM54]

I am continuously surprised how these movies actually manage to work. I have truly enjoyed all five and even am looking forward to seeing 6. O_O

[Robin2099]

I saw it last night, and overall I thought it was all right. While the ones that came before it were much better, this was still an ok way to kill a couple of hours. The biggest problem I had was that they shoehorned Det. Hoffman's character into the flashbacks in a very unnatural way. It makes sense when you see it knowing Jigsaw's history with Amanda, but it still felt forced.

Also, for a movie that is known for it's twist endings this one has easily the most disappointing one that just makes you say "That's it?"

Overal 2 1/2 out of 5 and easily the weakest of the Saw franchise.

[Russkafin]

Also, for a movie that is known for it's twist endings this one has easily the most disappointing one that just makes you say "That's it?"



So I guess they were right when they said "you won't believe how it ends."

[Kolbar]

Actually, I thought it was pretty good. I love movies that rely on heavy continuity like this one did bringing up things from all four of the previous movies. And I also thought the ending was pretty good. I don't understand why you guys thought it was so weak. Strahm got creamed even though he could have escaped and Hoffman got away. Not only did Strahm get killed but that was just brutal.

One thing I don't understand is how these people design and build all these elaborate traps. I think I remember something about Jigsaw being good at building things, but what about Hoffman? And how on earth do they pay for all of that equipment? :p

[Movie06]

Actually, I thought it was pretty good. I love movies that rely on heavy continuity like this one did bringing up things from all four of the previous movies.

That's one of the reasons why I like the Saw films. They stay consist with continuity.

[NewcomerDC]

I would like this series to stop before it becomes another Nightmare on Elm Street in terms of sequels repeated some of the same gimmicks over and over again. Do we really need Saw VI?

[Movie06]

I would like this series to stop before it becomes another Nightmare on Elm Street in terms of sequels repeated some of the same gimmicks over and over again. Do we really need Saw VI?

It's in Tobin Bell's contract.

[Punisher]

Attempted to catch it on Friday, but it was sold out at the only time I could've seen it. I'll make another attempt this coming Friday, hopefully with better results.

[Kolbar]

I would like this series to stop before it becomes another Nightmare on Elm Street in terms of sequels repeated some of the same gimmicks over and over again. Do we really need Saw VI?
Actually, I think we do need a "Saw VI" because I want to see what happens to Hoffman and if he goes after the FBI agent that was in the lair at the end of the movie. I also want to see if the two people from the trap survived and I just want to have a general conclusion (or if not a conclusion, more movies).

[Movie06]

Actually, I think we do need a "Saw VI" because I want to see what happens to Hoffman and if he goes after the FBI agent that was in the lair at the end of the movie. I also want to see if the two people from the trap survived and I just want to have a general conclusion (or if not a conclusion, more movies).

I believe that Lionsgate wants to stop at VI.

[Kolbar]

I believe that Lionsgate wants to stop at VI.
Why would you want to stop a profitable franchise when you can still get money out of it?

[Movie06]

Why would you want to stop a profitable franchise when you can still get money out of it?

Only if you contracted an actor.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Just got back from the movie and successfully hid my eyes the entire time. I've never seen any of the previous Saw films (although I know more than enough about them to understand the plot) and was expecting worse. I'd watch the rest of them if it wasn't for the gore, because that aside I actually enjoyed what was going on.

[Tapout]

Actually, I think we do need a "Saw VI" because I want to see what happens to Hoffman and if he goes after the FBI agent that was in the lair at the end of the movie. I also want to see if the two people from the trap survived and I just want to have a general conclusion (or if not a conclusion, more movies).
The reason Hoffman lured the head agent guy into the building was to frame Strahm, so I assume he'll be left alone. The only thing they really have left is that for the second time Hoffman will be the sole survivor in a building full of bodies and someone will get suspicious.

One thing I don't understand is how these people design and build all these elaborate traps. I think I remember something about Jigsaw being good at building things, but what about Hoffman? And how on earth do they pay for all of that equipment?John Kramer was an engineer, making him not only smart, but I assume quite wealthy. Also, the events of Saw 3-5 are basically taking place at the same time so all the traps (aside from Hoffman's copycat pendulum trap) were all made by Jigsaw.

[Terminatah]

The reason Hoffman lured the head agent guy into the building was to frame Strahm, so I assume he'll be left alone. The only thing they really have left is that for the second time Hoffman will be the sole survivor in a building full of bodies and someone will get suspicious.Actually, Hoffman will never have to reveal that he was even there. All they have is Erickson finding the two survivors, the "proof" that Strahm was Jigsaw, and nothing else.

I LOVE the first four Saw movies, but I found this one pretty underwhelming. Mainly because there was nothing surprising about the ending. Hoffman was clearly setting up Strahm the entire movie, and everything played out according to plan. It was really obvious that getting into the box was the only way to survive whatever was about to happen. Maybe they meant to say something with that last scene that wasn't evident. We always trust Jigsaw's warnings as true, but maybe we were supposed to doubt the Hoffman Jigsaw's advice to get in the box, since he's not really Jigsaw? I don't know. And what exactly was the lesson in that trap? He was trying to teach Strahm to trust? That doesn't make sense. He was just covering his tracks.

In the end, it felt like the first half of a movie. There are still a lot of loose ends. Here's the questions they answered:

- What happens to Strahm after he gets locked in the room Jigsaw dies in?
- How in the world did Jigsaw ever recruit Hoffman?

But here's all the things they left unanswered:

- What was in the box Jigsaw left for Jill?
- What is the significance of the house that burned down with 8 people in it?
- What was Hoffman's test (referenced in the tape found during Jigsaw's autopsy)?
- What was in the letter Hoffman left for Amanda?
- Why did Strahm's partner say "Hoffman" before she died? And who sent Hoffman that note telling him they knew who he was? Were we supposed to think it was Strahm? Or what?

It's like they're so afraid to wrap everything up and not have anything left for future sequels, they ended up only making the first half of a movie. I feel like Saw VI may possibly redeem Saw V, but for now, I am very unsatisfied.

I was also pissed with how they ruined the character of Strahm. In Saw IV, he was brilliant and awesome. And in the beginning of Saw V, he outsmarts Jigsaw with his makeshift tracheotomy. And I thought that he was such a great character to have in this universe. The guy who always outsmarts Jigsaw. But then he spends the rest of the movie following bread crumbs and falling for the dumbest, most pointless Jigsaw trap ever. I'm also confused as to who designed that Glass Box trap. Clearly Jigsaw built it (and is even seen designing it during a Saw IV flashback), but it didn't fit into his agenda-- it even ended with a Hoffman recording. Very confusing.

Darren Lynn Bousman was also missed as director. He was a worthy successor to Wan, with his insane transitions and stuff. This Hackl guy felt like he did less with it. But I see that they have a new director for Saw VI. My opinion of the franchise as a whole rests on it. Every Saw movie before this one was great at planting setups while still working as its own self-contained entity. I'm willing to accept this half-a-movie as Saw V, but only if Saw VI really blows my mind.

-Terminatah

[Tapout]

- What is the significance of the house that burned down with 8 people in it?
I don't think there has to be any significance to it. Those five people were scumbags who were directly or indirectly involved with the murders of eight people (or covering it up), and Jigsaw was punishing them for it. He's even said it shouldn't be personal and other than his first victim, I don't think any of them were except maybe Lawrence from part 1. By the way, did it ever show what happened to him? I know most of the aftermath from Saw 1 was shown when the police discovered the house in Saw 2, but I don't remember seeing him.

[Terminatah]

I don't think there has to be any significance to it. Those five people were scumbags who were directly or indirectly involved with the murders of eight people (or covering it up), and Jigsaw was punishing them for it. He's even said it shouldn't be personal and other than his first victim, I don't think any of them were except maybe Lawrence from part 1. By the way, did it ever show what happened to him? I know most of the aftermath from Saw 1 was shown when the police discovered the house in Saw 2, but I don't remember seeing him.They purposely never revealed the ultimate fate of Dr. Lawrence Gordon, so the audience could make up their own minds about what they thought happened to him. But, as Cary Elwes surmised on the commentary, based on the sheer blood loss, the guy wouldn't have made it two blocks. ;)

-Terminatah