Directed By: Darren Lynn Bousman

Starring: Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols, and Samuel L. Jackson

Synopsis: A sadistic mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in SPIRAL, the terrifying new chapter from the book of SAW. Working in the shadow of 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.

Review: Spiral sets off with a deeply poignant, gruesome kill — you will be glued to the screen from start to finish…

It is refreshing to see Chris Rock take on this entry in the Saw franchise; it is a much needed reboot, but a bold move, nonetheless. We salute Rock for reviving this well-acclaimed franchise, because, let’s face it, it was driving on flat tyres.

Spiral has an impressive storyline, and of equal import, it has appreciable characters that really grasp our attention. Detective Zeke Banks, played by Rock, is a police officer ostracised by his colleagues for unshrouding a crooked cop — this sums up the goings on in the police department. Zeke’s father, the Chief of Police, is played by the supreme, Samuel L. Jackson; though he only has a supporting role, he makes such a memorable impact, that this movie could have well been titled, ‘Saw: Motherfu**er’.

Max Minghella stars brilliantly as a rookie cop and family man, who partners up with Zeke. Rock and Minghella share some comedic scenes; Rock delivers banter in his usual stand-up approach, typically with Minghella’s character as the object of ridicule. However, as the movie goes on, we see more serious sides to their characters. Rock proves his worth and excels with a great performance; you can really tell he wants to pump the tyres back up and drive this franchise back in the right direction.

Spiral deviates somewhat from the original Saw movies — we have no Billy puppet, and John Kramer is only mentioned. The franchise has a whole new spin on it, but it all ties together well. Like a who-done-it, we are left guessing right up until the final moments who the culprit(s) might be; the story-telling is what makes this entry thrilling and gripping.

Gore-hounds! Don’t fear… The torturous traps will have you all toe-curlingly satisfied! Spiral is a certified wince-inducer!

Lastly, for Pulp Fiction fanatics, Spiral brilliantly references Vincent and Jules (played by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta) on a door in the police department, so keep an eye out!

Overall, it is safe to say, Spiral breathes new life into the Saw franchise; Chris Rock, Max Minghella, and Samuel L. Jackson are steering this motherfu**er back on track! The ending of the movie is epic, to say the least, and leaves you wanting more.

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