Saw III

The second ‘Saw’ sequel develops the mythology of sadistic puppet-master Jigsaw (Bell) in ambitious, gruesome but ultimately self-defeating ways. Despite the twisted imagination he and his protégé Amanda (Shawnee Smith) lavish upon their ingenious engines of pain, there are no scares or suspense to speak of, and the screams are starting to sound thin. Although the perverse master/pupil dynamic is explored to some effect, the complicated flashback structure is more confusing than enlightening, the hyper-kinetic images more agitating than exciting. Debilitated by a brain tumour, Jigsaw abducts depressed brain surgeon Lynn (Bahar Soomekh) and forces her to Black and Decker his skull, while wearing an explosive collar linked to his heart monitor. Fully conscious throughout, Jigsaw amuses himself by monitoring the tests he has devised for Jeff (MacFadyen), an alcoholic consumed by fantasies of vengeance since his son was killed in a car accident. As the overwrought puzzle plot is strained to breaking point, the sole point of interest is the teasing (probably disingenuous) hint that this attenuated instalment might be the last of the series.