… but no movie, no franchise – nothing – compares to Saw.

I will never forget the first time I saw – pardon the pun – the first of the now four films. I was hanging out with this girl Rachel and I told her I had a bootleg of the film and we decided to put it on. As soon as I saw that the movie was produced and released by Twisted Pictures – I should have known what I was in for. As the movie went on and the story unfolded – I was dumfounded. In case you have not seen it, I won’t divulge much, but let’s just say that the movie begins with two men chained by their ankles in a disgusting bathroom with seemingly no means of escape. Later, they find two saws – and frighteningly discover that they are not meant to be used to saw through the chains that bind them. If that’s not bad enough, the men in the room begin to discover more clues that led to their fate, their unknown connection to each other – and why they are in this predicament – something that absolutely freaked me out.

When the movie ended and everything was revealed – I swear to you that my skin crawled. Never in my life have I ever been so scared. Think of the way you felt when you discovered Bruce Willis’ fate in The Sixth Sense – and multiply that by a thousand. Being a writer and wannabe detective, I tried relentlessly to figure out what was going on in the film and who the killer, nicknamed “Jigsaw” was – but I was not even close. The writers of the film did a remarkable job in not only keeping the ending a secret until they were ready to reveal it – but in dropping blatant clues throughout the entire film – clues that you only discover when they show them all to you in a group once again at the end – truly amazing film work.

After I saw the film for the first time, I must have watched it a dozen more times. Besides being able to enjoy the film without worrying about being terrified – I also tried to look for all the clues that I missed the first time. Believe it or not – I have seen the first Saw well over fifty times – and each time I watch it – I still find something that I missed – that is how complex and intricate the movie is. I also showed the movie to absolutely everyone I know, including my friend Lisa, who after watching the movie – turned to me and jokingly said, “We are not friends anymore!” Her boyfriend Kevin on the other hand was as freaked out and blown away at the ending as I was. For a long time I continued my private PR campaign for Saw – praying that they would release a sequel – just one more “game” as “Jigsaw” would say, to quell my craving for more…

…since then, they released three more, with Saw IV just hitting theaters last month. And thankfully – Saw V is already in pre-production.

I was in Maryland the day Saw IV opened, and Julie and I went to see it opening night. Truth be told, I must have annoyed her for a week-and-a-half before the movie came out. Constantly talking about the movie, showing her the commercials and trailers over and over again – and even talking to her in the “Jigsaw” voice – something she thinks is “hot.” When we saw the film, I thought it was perfect. In typical Saw tradition, they tied together all four films in one shot – even having the endings of Saw III and Saw IV somehow end simultaneously. In the fourth chapter, we learn about “Jigsaw” and why he became who he is, how and why he chooses his victims – and who will continue his work. After the movie, we went to Red Brick Station and Julie excused herself from the table. When she came back – she saw me sitting at the table just staring into space shaking my head – that’s how much the movie got into my head.

I already own Saw I, II and III and plan to pick up IV the moment it is released. The Saw franchise, in my opinion, is the best of the horror genre. Rather than scare you with “boo scary” tactics – it gives you a never-ending unfolding saga that from its inception – is impossible to wrap your mind around. From the first moment you see Adam and Dr. Gordon in that bathroom – you’re sucked in and can’t get out. While Jason, Freddy and Michael Myers kill your body – “Jigsaw” kills your mind – and those three hacks got nothing on him.

If you have seen even one of the Saw films, then I am preaching to the choir. If you have not, then I dare you to see at least one if not all four of the movies. I warn you in advance that you’ll need an open mind, a keen eye – and a strong stomach. But I guarantee you that if you do see them – you will be as eager for the release of Saw V as I am.

Live or die – make your choice.