Saw II
Darren Lynn Bousman, 2005,
Interesting to see what the same production crew from the first film could accomplish with quadruple the budget. It still feels small and stagey, like its two main locations aren’t part of any larger world, and it doubles down on the 1990s David Fincher by way of Spirit Halloween aesthetic, but at least it’s more cohesive. Director Darren Lynn Bousman’s music video experience is in evidence, and I often wondered if the editor was paid by the cut. Speaking of music videos, anyone who’s ever seen a New Kids on the Block video might have a hard time believing Donnie Wahlberg as *Saw II’*s tough-as-nails crooked cop, but it’s fun to watch him try. And Jigsaw’s games are getting more thematic, but they still feel kinda basic? I imagine things will get increasingly convoluted over the course of the series. Anyway, all in all, this was suitable trash for my sick day on the couch after a covid booster.