Spiral: From the Book of Saw: This Is What A Good Saw Movie Looks Like

Spiral: From the Book of Saw is exactly what a good Saw movie looks like – crazy traps and tests, lots of blood, jump scares, and twists!

Spiral: From the Book of Saw is the ninth movie in the popular horror franchise, and it has found itself back at the roots of the first few movies. Sure, it goes over the top a bit, and the humor is almost a bit too much, however the traps, the reasoning behind them, and the twists feel right at home in the Saw world. It feels so very good to have another good — no great — Saw movie in Spiral.

Chris Rock plays Zeke Banks, a not very well liked cop amongst his peers, after he turned on a dirty cop years ago. After partnered with a rookie, William Schenk, he ends up at the center of a what is believed to be a Jigsaw copycat series of murders and games. His father, Marcus Banks played by Samuel L. Jackson, was the head of the police department for years, and Zeke always seems to be working in his shadow.

What Works With Spiral

One of the best things about Saw are the crazy traps and predicaments that the victims are put in. They are told to make a choice, live or die, and they almost always have to endure something truly grotesque if they want to get out alive.

The traps in Spiral are made in true Jigsaw fashion, and have the right feel of those that John Kramer created. It isn’t a good Saw movie unless you are watching through your fingers, screaming, giggling, and gagging, as the characters try to escape them. Spiral truly delivers on that multiple times.

While this movie feels very much like a jump back to the original Saw movies — complete with a fantastic nod to the hacksaw from Saw I — it also feels a bit updated. They seem to still be using practical effects for the most part, which a lot of fans will appreciate, however it gives off this “refreshed” vibe. Not necessarily in a bad way either.

The other movies started to blend together and be one in the same, with MEH dialogue, unlikable characters, and stories that just weren’t great. Spiral: From the Book of Saw boasts are pretty decent story that makes sense in this universe. It clearly exists in the same world as John Kramer did, but it isn’t trying too hard to fit in, which is a big fault of Jigsaw and Saw: The Final Chapter. 

Chris Rock was a pleasant surprise in this movie as well. Considering he is normally known for his comedic acting, seeing him step outside of this comfort zone paid off. Yes, there are some parts, especially at the beginning, that are a bit too jokey, but once the movie really gets going he is a fantastic lead. 

What Doesn’t Work With Spiral

As great and fitting as the story is, there are some flaws to it. The first thirty minutes or so contain too much humor, and almost feels like Chris Rock trying to find his footing as a serious cop. It also could just be the events that he is going through is taking his humorous side away, which is probably something that would happen in real life to just about anyone.

The story is also predictable. Yes there are some twists and turns and the classic theme kicking in as all is revealed — which is AMAZING by the way — but fans of the franchise are likely to do some guessing and land on, at least part of the reveal, about halfway through the movie. That, however, does not make this movie any less enjoyable, just something to note.

The biggest issue with Spiral: From the Book of Saw is the flashbacks of Zeke and Marcus from years ago. They are few and far between, but sticking with the practical effects means no de-aging technology. It also means Chris Rock in a backwards hat and Samuel L. Jackson in a ridiculous mustache just trying to look younger. That was laughable, at best, and did not work.

Overall Thoughts

People that do not enjoy the other Saw movies, will likely not enjoy this one, even though it does give off a different vibe. On the contrary people that really enjoy the other Saw movies, are probably going to love this one, especially considering the last few – not great – Saw films. This one has the same style traps, practical bloody and disgusting effects, classic twists and turns, and a pretty decent story overall. It feels like a Saw movie. Not just a Saw movie, a GOOD Saw movie. 

Fans will already know that this is not the end for the Saw films, and Saw X has been announced! After watching this film, it is easy to start speculating just where the storyline is heading, and whether we are right or wrong, chances are we all can’t wait for it. 

Spiral: From The Book Of Saw once again shows fans what a good Saw movie is, and is the revival of the well loved franchise.

About Spiral: From The Book Of Saw

A criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw. Working in the shadow of his father, an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.

Spiralstars Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols, and Samuel L. Jackson, and is produced by the original Saw team of Mark Burg and Oren Koules. The film is directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and written by Josh Stolberg & Pete Goldfinger.

The IMAX release of Spiral will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Spiral hits theaters May 14th — see it in IMAX!

More movie reviews.