Saw 4 - Extreme Edition - Region 2 DVD

The twist with Saw 4 is that it digs into the backstory of Jigsaw, although it’s fair to say that it soon becomes a platform to layer on some more deadly traps. Mixing in flashbacks and present day events, the formula is ultimately well worn and well obeyed. Surprises are in short supply, even if there is the odd jump from time to time.

There is a law of diminishing returns with Saw 4, however, and as the franchise matures the tricks because less impressive and the blood and guts quotient increases to compensate. Furthermore, director Darren Lynn Bousman occasionally goes overboard with his flash cuts, proving a distraction from the carefully constructed scenarios that were the trademark of the original.

Still, criticisms aside, Saw 4 is here to do a job, and it has little qualms about getting on with it. Firmly made in the ‘more of the same’ mould of sequels, it’s compact, grisly and absolutely not the last film in the series. It might not be ambitious, but you can’t deny it’s not good at its job. --Jon Foster