Saw 3D

Run Time: 1 hrs. 31 min.

Rating: R

The Bouw-Man.

Not a whole lot to say about this one.  Seemingly we can expect a new “Saw” movie every time Halloween comes around.  It all began in 2004, and with “Saw 3D” we now have seven films in seven years.  I stopped caring after number three.  I really thought the original was a well thought out horror flick.  It even had decent actors in it (Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter, etc.), although I’m sure none of them probably considered it to be some of their better work.  I even thought the sequel was a worthy effort also, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.  The third one, however, showed audiences that the well had run dry.  It was very uneven, and if the producers were interested in keeping the legacy of “Saw” at a decent level that would’ve been the end.  I mean the main character “Jigsaw” died in the third movie, so wouldn’t you think that’s a pretty compelling conclusion to the series?  Of course, as is often the case, money outweighs quality in Hollywood.  So, without further ado, here’s the seventh installment of a tired franchise.

Prediction.

The producers of the “Saw” films must have their sites set on the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise.  There were a total of seven “Nightmare” films (not including “Freddy vs. Jason” and the reboot version this past April), and with “Saw 3D” they are now tied.  It will take some perseverance to get to the numbers of “Halloween” and “Friday the 13^th,” but since no one seems to care about putting together a decent script they may very well catch those other two some day soon.  Sequels two through five all made over $30 million during their opening weekend.  Number six, however, dipped badly to $14 million.  3D may help a bit, but with the success of “Paranormal Activity 2” last week, one has to think that audiences have soured on all things “Saw.”  Let’s go with $15 million for the die hards who make it a point of seeing the annual blood fest every Halloween season. 

Opening Weekend Gross: $15 Million

Noodles.

I have to admit to never having seen any of the 'Saw' movies. My horror tastes always lean toward the fun supernatural monster type films like Poltergeist, and less in the slasher variety. That being said ...I think this (hopefully) last Saw movie looks like they went the extra mile for a creative way to tie up the series. 

I like the idea of including the audience in the horror via 3D, although I am curious as to how they will accomplish all that this trailer suggests in the way of making you feel as though you're in danger personally. I'm a little tired of the 3D gimmick but for films like this that are made to exploit the technology I'm a bit more forgiving.

Prediction.

The last 5 previous Saw movies all opened for around $30 Million, except for 'VI' which only did $14M. I have to think that due to the lack of any real competition this weekend and the interesting 3D gimmick that Saw will once again reach its peak numbers.

Opening Weekend: Gross: $30 Million

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