-

"Saw IV" is one of the most complex, well-rounded, and, quite possibly, most ingenious "Saw" sequels I've had the pleasure of viewing thus far. I didn't particularly care for the film the first, second or even third time I saw it, but as I began to pay closer and closer attention during each subsequent viewing (with the help of the Darren Bousman/Lyriq Bent commentary track) I gained a favorable fondness for this rather gory entry in the "Saw" franchise.

Granted, "Saw IV" isn't for the uninitiated. Each "Saw" film since the first has gotten more and more fan-oriented and this entry isn't any different. For those of you who haven't seen any of the previous "Saw" films or, perhaps, missed a couple, I recommend you fill in the gaps first then give this at least a hearty two/three viewings. "Saw IV" is a very meaty and, above all else, very complex film that pays close attention to plot detail and assumes its audience is adult enough to understand the twists and turns its screenplay throws at them.

And speaking of the film’s screenplay, Leigh Whannell does NOT return to pen the series’ third sequel. Instead, Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan are given writing duties and that makes for a very different “Saw” film. The “Whannell touches” are vacant for most of the film, including the more elaborate nature of the series’ later traps (in particular, “Saw III's”) and Melton & Dunstan go to great lengths to make sure that their script goes so far over the viewers' head the first few times one sees it they never notice it flutter by.

But “Saw IV” is ingenious for that very reason. The other “Saw” films were tied up neatly by way of Leigh’s writing at the end of each movie, but this picture has so much happening, so much going on, that it would be a crime to see it once and pass judgment on it. Sure, there’s the “big reveal” here that a lot of “Saw” fans guessed prior to the movie’s theatrical release, but there truly are so many twists and turns (and they are so consistent) throughout that the film feels so much more accomplished than your average “Saw” sequel.

As per usual with a “Saw” picture, the acting isn’t the greatest. This film was shot for a measly $10 million and it does show, but director Bousman is becoming such a talent behind the lens that its easy to forgive it. No “Saw” film would be complete, though, without the prerequisite MTV-style editing, quick cuts, and faux-grain, but Darren is showing promise beyond that. He’s sandwiching his own unique style (such as transitions) in-between the frenetic, Saw-esque moments and more complacent moments as well.

It should also be noted that this DVD is being billed as the unrated DIRECTOR’S cut of “Saw IV.” With that said, there are minor additions made to a handful of scenes. Some minor plot holes are filled and there is a bit of additional character development. There is also a noticeable amount of gore added back into this cut of the film as well.

The fan reaction on “Saw IV” has been fairly mixed thus far, but I think as fans begin to get a better grasp on the film and also begin to realize just how content-heavy and clever it is, they, too, will gain a fondness for it. Maybe it says a lot about my personal taste when I state that “Saw III” is my favorite of the bunch, but this sequel, in this particular form, comes in a close second. New writers, likewise, have breathed new life into a franchise that could have very well become stagnant. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

8/10