The Nomasphere

DvDo’s and Don’ts – Saw 4

            At this point they basically beat the horse completely to death.  After the first Saw, which was an above average film, it has been on a steady decline since the original.  The 4^th film at least had the unique benefit of a few awesome transitional cuts.  If you liked the other Saw films you’re going to get the same raw intensity and gritty violence, with seamier people and extreme closure/punishment for their poor life-choices.  It also wraps the entirety of the series up pretty well.  It’s just mired by being less entertaining and not as well written as the original.  Expect plot twists like all Saw films.  This one in particular plays more-so with how we view movies and utilizes that to trick you.

DO give it a rental if you like other films like it.    

DON’T watch it if you have a weak stomach, they go excessive on the gore.

DON’T be surprised if you didn’t guess or immediately get the twist

Overall: 3/5

This is my favorite movie so far this year, sure I rated Wall-E higher and it deserves it for being a more innovative film, but I prefer In Bruges.  It’s a combination dark comedy, suspense film that is both funny and serious.  The tone changes depending on what the characters are going through at the time. 

The city of Bruges, itself serves as a kind of character.  It’s gothic architecture presents itself like a “fairy tale world,” to the joy of Gleeson and the dismay of Farrill who despite finding things in the city that interest him by happenstance, still thinks of Bruges as hell on earth.  

The movie is completely unpredictable, well-acted with real wit and wonderful dialogue.  It is really in the vein of films like Lucky Number Slevin and Pulp Fiction, with a nice touch of English/Irish flair.

DO rent this film and consider buying it

DO consider visiting Bruge, Belgium

DON’T keep this gem to yourself, recommend it to others

Overall: 4.5/5