Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021) - Famous actors, awkward comedy, summer heat, profane dialogues and gangster rap don't equal innovation - 6/10 (12/08/21)

Spiral is the latest and also the weakest instalment in the Saw franchise. The makers behind the movie try to tell you that there is a fresh approach to this film because it involves famous actors, takes place in the summer and includes a few comedic bits and pieces. The famous actors are however unable to shine in their flat roles as Samuel L. Jackson disappoints as exchangeable wise-cracking old man. The fact that the movie takes place in the summer doesn't change the atmosphere at all when the different traps can still be found in subway tunnels and basements. The comedic bits and pieces aren't even remotely funny in my book but that's a matter of taste. The addition of much profanity in the dialogues and gangster rap with an overuse of racist swear words doesn't make much sense either and gives the impression that the movie was imagined by some rebellious high school kids.

The plot is predictable. As soon as the character who would turn out to be the bad guy showed up, I knew right away that it was going to be him. The reason is that the script copies from numerous cop thrillers and horror movies of the nineties and early years of the millennium but doesn't add anything new.

The main reason why this film still got a good final grade is because it's entertaining from start to finish. It has an excellent length with ninety-three minutes. The film starts with a gripping trap scene in the key of its predecessors. The different lead characters are introduced smoothly and swiftly. The movie has great pace with occasional brief flashbacks and location changes. What starts as a dark cop thriller slowly turns into psychological horror movie. The plot thickens at the right moment yet again. Everything leads to an intense finale that doesn't overstay its welcome. The latter however leaves room for yet another sequel.

At the end of the day, Spiral: From the Book of Saw should be interesting for avid fans of the franchise as all the traditional trademarks are kept and told in an efficiently entertaining manner. Those who are expecting fresh ideas however will end up being disappointed. This is the most predictable entry in the franchise so far and that's why the movie only just qualifies as average.