continued...

... that had perplexed me in Saw III). This new tape warns that things are not always what they seem - the anchor-point of the film and a leitmotiv that ties all the characters and subplots of the series together.

The tape also re-introduces detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor), who had a minor cameo in the third film, as he and Lt. Riggs (Lyriq Bent, another minor character in the two previous films) follow the remaining clues only to find their missing compatriot Det. Kerry (Dina Meyer, sadly bereft of her beautiful sternum - see Saw III). Thus they begin yet another elusive game of cat and mouse with the phantom Jigsaw killer, even as two veteran FBI profilers (Scott Patterson and Athena Karkanis) step in to assume the investigation.

As the maniacal trappings of the recently deceased madman begin to close around the "heroes," the raisons d'être of Jigsaw's methodology gain exposure through flashbacks of John Kramer's life, as told to FBI agent Strahm (Patterson) by Kramer's estranged wife, Jill (Betsy Russell). John's de-evolution from pragmatic philanthropist to psychotic prognosticator weaves yet another thread into the overshadowing overtone of the series: where do you draw the line between good and evil? do evil deeds justify a good cause? can good intentions have evil consequences?

I can guarantee that Saw fans will be left considering these questions as they wait for yet another addition to the franchise, already in the works. Though we will lose the excellent direction of Darren Lynn Bousman, the writers and cast will most likely remain the same. So I raise my last Bud Light to you, the other fans of this series (that's number 30, in case you're not familiar with the Northern 48's metric divvying of cheap alcohol) - let's hope that the new writing duo can forge such a brutal dynamic with director David Hackl (new to the director's chair, but has occupied the position of production designer for the last three films).

Here's to another four years of sequels, followed by a five-year gap and clumsy resurrection of a so-far outstanding series! Skol!

...back to beginning

Saw IV - Cast and Pictures

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