Despite a few well-made installments, the Saw franchise has had to rely heavily on gimmicks over the years. The first film featured a devastating twist, while Part 2 offered up the patented terror traps that would carry everything forward. From the splatter epicness of Part 3 to the narrative/character reinvention of Part 4, the films consistently found ways to tweak and trade on the audience's expectations and curiosity. But about halfway through Part 5, the patina finally wore off. By Part 6, we needed a nutty pro-heath care reform statement to get us through the grue.
Part 7 -- also known as Saw 3D -- has dialed up the hype machine one more time by doubling down on the carnival barking hucksterism. First, we are supposed to believe that this is the final film in the still financially solvent series. Then, the whole "added dimension" optical aspect promises to deliver ample arterial spray directly into your slightly more expensive theater seat. Well, here's to less than fitting goodbyes. Not only is Saw 3D the worst installment of them all, it reneges on both promises, leading to one of the most pointless horror movie experiences of all time.
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