21 May 21 - Spiral: From The Book of Saw

“…John Kramer was right. The spiral a symbol of change, evolution, progress…” 

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide is back! Did you miss her? She certainly did miss you …the fans, bands and the crazed adventures. So, let’s forget about 2020 …the year that everything went to heck in a heartbeat. It’s time we focus on getting back to “normal” with a few changes of course such as mask wearing and social distancing. So, to kick off her first SouthSide On The Town blog post, SouthSide decided to test the waters by seeing the latest chapter from the Saw series – Spiral.

Spiral: From The Book of Saw boasts a couple of heavy A-list actors which is quite unusual for a movie of this horror caliber. It stars Chris Rock …yes, that comedian Chris Rock debuting in a serious role, blogspot readers, as Detective Zeke Banks and Samuel L. Jackson …another definite yes that Capital One spokesperson portraying Chris’ father, Marcus Banks who was once the captain of the department where Chris’ character works currently as lead detective. One warning before SouthSide divulges a bit of the movie’s plot. No spoilers here. You simply have to see this one for yourself. 

So, blogspot readers, are you ready to play a game? Ready to live or die …then make your choice. 

The plot revolves around a Jigsaw copycat murder that leads to a few more. Someone has a serious grudge against the Metro police department especially since the victims are somehow connected to Detective Zeke Banks. However, wait a minute …John Kramer, the original mastermind behind Jigsaw is dead. Yes, blogspot readers, that’s quite true. Yet, you have to admit he probably left an impressionable mark certain people who were wronged in life. See, Detective Banks is not really liked amongst his peers …all because he ratted out on a fellow officer years ago and with every chance taken, they tend to remind him of that indiscretion until one of their own becomes the first victim of the Jigsaw copycat. It’s not a pretty end for our victim either. Blood splatter from the camera lens view was totally cool, blogspot readers. 

Now, if you’re squeamish when it comes to blood splatter and or intense violent scenes, then SouthSide highly recommends you wait until Spiral hits the DVD/Blu-Ray medium. This movie definitely has some cringe worthy moments to which had SouthSide squirming in her seat a little. Yet, what is a Saw type movie without its infamous traps designed to “punish” the victims …though not on a John Kramer level. Spiral’s copycat killer is a novice but quite creative …so he or she is still learning and perfecting their craft. 

What makes this movie somewhat different from the other eight chapters of Saw is the copycat seems to has a personal motive or agenda even though this the police aren’t left clueless or running around in circles. Chris Rock’s character knows that as well as his new rookie partner Detective William Schenk (Max Minghella) who gets some sound but comedic advice about being a married detective. This is the moment where a bit of Chris Rock comedy shtick shines briefly …something not truly seen in a Saw movie. This reviewer liked the fact the writers, Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger designed this chapter to set itself slightly apart from the others. Good idea. In fact, she enjoyed the references to The Wire and New Jack City …a movie in which Chris Rock starred in as Pookie the crackhead. Also, there’s a reference to original Saw movie towards the end. Yes, blogspot readers, something personal is going that this copycat wants to punish the dirty cops. Basically, he wants to teach them a lesson for the wrongdoing they did in the past. 

Why is Detective Zeke Banks targeted? What does all of this have to do with his father? Who is pulling the strings as the Jigsaw copycat? Who lives or dies? 

Go see Spiral: From The Book of Saw to find out, blogspot readers. 

SouthSide enjoyed this movie even though she felt parts of the movie plot was a bit rushed here and there. The writing team could have gone an extra few minutes slower with the BIG copycat killer reveal despite the mountain of hints and clues pointing towards who it is. In this reviewer’s honest opinion, they made it way too easy for the average moviegoer to figure out that mystery. SouthSide also liked how director Darren Lynn Bousman shows us Detective Bank’s emotional breakdown and range from expressing grief over the loss of a good friend and fellow co-worker to a couple of scenes of intense rage and frustration because the copycat killer is teasing and taunting him with his neatly stringed packages. SouthSide would be feeling the same thing if someone was literally getting under her skin with such elaborate “games” of deadly chance that’s murdering her co-workers. And lastly, there’s a definite hint for a sequel, blogspot readers, at the end. Question is how will the writers play out between our protagonist and the antagonist …and will it top Spiral? 

The takeaway about Spiral, blogspot readers, is this – it totally changed the (hidden) horror movie rules. What rules? Oh, everyone knows them …or should know them especially one particular – casting Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson just elevated this genre into a whole new spectrum. Never once did SouthSide ever thought she would see Chris Rock cast in a serious role. That touch of his trademark humor within the beginning scenes reminds the viewer he still retains his humorous side within the serious tone of the scenes played out on the screen. And despite being serious most of the time, Samuel L. Jackson displays a comedic side to him with the best movie quote ever delivered within this franchise series – “You wanna play games, motherfucker? Alright, I’ll play”! Now that was really badass, blogspot readers. His character was about to cower to a copycat killer …not usually seen in a Saw movie. SouthSide welcome the flip to the script and hopes the sequel doesn’t deviate from that direction. 

Spiral: From The Book of Saw is currently in theatres now. SouthSide recommends seeing it. 

 Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide