Everyone's a critic - 'Saw III'

Four stars (out of four)

It is time for another game with the psychotic mastermind Jigsaw. With each film in the "Saw" series, things get a little more dark and a little more twisted.

Jigsaw's plan to make people who take life for granted see the error of their ways and appreciate it is taken to a whole new level. Jigsaw's apprentice Amanda's obsession with him is explained in flashes back to the previous films, as we see how their relationship developed.

This is the underlying theme to a movie that has your heart pounding and your mind racing, wondering where things will lead to next. The test that his subjects are put through has one man making personal, heart wrenching sacrifices to save the lives of people he blames for the death of his only son.

Around each corner there are more disturbing turns than either of the other two movies by far. I could actually feel my heart pounding in my chest. Though there is the typical blood and guts that slightly turns your stomach, the storyline take much of the focus off of it. If you need a brief adrenaline rush, go see this film.

-- Carrie Lloyd

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Zero stars (out of four)

There are some horror movies that are worth the price of admission. They have complicated plots, multi-dimensional characters and interesting scenery. "Saw III" doesn't fit into that category.

As the title implies, the film is the third installment in a particular theme. Viewing the first two is not necessary; the producers thoughtfully included scenes from the previous films as flashbacks in the latest release.

Fortunately for the audience, there are no olfactory special effects. Decaying animals, the odor of bone as it is being cut by a power drill, the distinctive smell of burning human flesh and other equally powerful scents are missing from this movie.

Sado-masochistic scenes of violent carnage are included.

Unless a movie has some redeeming value, which "Saw III" lacks, seeing an illustration of destruction and evil is a waste of time.

-- Marilou Shaner