Third Viewing: Saw II (2005)

Saw II is sort of more of the same for the Saw series. It has the same gross grungy green look. It’s the same kind of plot, with two different stories going on at the same time — people involved in the main trap or “game” — and people investigating.

And while I won’t say this movie is better than the original, it does shine in how it differs from the first film. This one has a true main character in Detective Eric Matthews, and a compelling performance from Donnie Wahlberg.

And we get to actually know John Kramer/Jigsaw here, and this is where the movie really shines. Tobin Bell is absolutely committed, and he makes this character so believable. He’s frustrating, but I like that he’s so committed to his own philosophy, however bullshit it may be.

The first movie succeeded with a mystery villain. This movie could have easily fallen flat on its face if Tobin Bell were not so compelling.

It’s far from a perfect movie, but it is a solid sequel, and probably the best Saw sequel to date.

Rating: 6/10