 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Saw VI
- Review Date: October 13, 2009
- R
- Genre: Horror
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Sixth film in revenge series is just as bloody as the rest.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this "torture porn" film, like all of the movies in the Saw series, revolves around cruelty, gore, and diabolical deathtraps -- all smothered in horrific make-up and special effects. A person is injected with acid until they literally melt in half; a group of people are shot, one by one, at point-blank range; and so on -- the deaths are brutal, bloody, and lingered over (viewers will see exposed organs, compound fractures shoving shattered bone edges through flesh, and worse). The movie is theoretically trying to make a few points about healthcare, but any social commentary is lost amid the buckets of blood and constant strong language.
What's the story?
Even though Jigsaw killer John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is dead, his work continues under the stewardship of FBI agent Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) and his ex-wife, Jill (Betsy Russell). They create an elaborate series of deathtraps to test the character of William (Peter Outerbridge), the insurance claims executive who previously terminated Kramer's coverage. As Hoffman springs the traps and tests, he's also being pursued by his peers in law enforcement -- and while Hoffman thinks he's aware of Kramer's final deadly game, he's about to get a rude awakening.
Is it any good?
At this point, the Saw series has moved beyond whether or not the films are good or bad; they're more like a restaurant with a good location, released every year around Halloween to make a safe, reliable profit. Written by longtime series stewards Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton -- and directed by longtime series editor Kevin Greutert -- this sixth installment leans heavily on the intricacies and back story of the previous films; viewers see moments from all five previous films in a new light based on revelations that only the very dedicated will be able to follow, much less care about.
The performances range from wooden to weak, with only Bell's studious sociopath making much of an impression; the production design's grim, grimy gloom is also effective. It's galling that we're left with another possible new direction for the series -- which is an appealing prospect only if you're a member of the board of directors at Lionsgate. Saw VI is far more well-made and inventive than it had to be, but there's no denying that time and repetition have dulled any edge that the Saw films might have originally had.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the popularity of the Saw movies. What draws audiences to movies like this?
How do the violent images in movies like this impact viewers, especially young ones? Why do you think there's been a trend toward these "torture porn" movies in recent years?
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AGE
If you could handle the last 5, this one should be fine.
This one is the same as all of the last ones. Very gorey, non-stop language. No nudity this time, but that doesn't make this better for kids.
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AGE
Bloodiest
Wow, commonsense gave the movie a 2, better then the others. THis is not the best one, but it is still great. This is definatly the most violent saw. THere is a TON of violence especially the opening scene. And there is a ton of language. Can't wait for 7.
and what is my real name is talking about???
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AGE
Only for older teens!!!
Ok sequel but over the top violence and gore, lots of bad role models
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AGE
Very gory, as usual.....
My MPAA Rating, R: Grisly horror violence, graphic bloody violence, and strong language
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AGE
Never Ever Again
I hate Saw Movies. I threw up during the third so when my friends asked me to watch this with them I tried to say no but I was forced to watch anyways. I almost threw up again during some of the traps and the worst scenes made me feel so sick. I'm really bad with horror movies though.
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AGE
Amazing
My favorite out of the series so far and the gore is back and more questions are answered but new questions are created too
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AGE
Okay, I agree it has a lot of bad stuff in this movie, like demented/syko people and violence but that is why some people like it. Obviously, there arnt role models in this video, and i dont think any kid in their right mind would think there were (because they should be discustd by what is going on). if they do think that, then you have another issue on your hands bigger than this movie. I say if your kid really wants to watch it, let them watch it. Telling them they cant until they are over 17 is kindof too clingy of the parent, because if YOU dont let them watch it you know they will at someone else's house anyways. My thought is that as long as they arnt turning evil on me, and they like this stuff then they can watch it. And if it scares the crap out of them, then at least they will learn they dont want to watch movies like that anymore. I think this is a fine movie for your kid if they want to watch it, obviously not under 14 though... but 17, guys thats just crazy. you can't control your kids forever- let them experiance things- let them get scared.
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AGE
Pretty good!
Gory but with a good twist atleast saws are getting better!
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AGE
The Saw movies have a really bad rep, and I felt the need to point out (for all who will believe me) that it only deserves half of that rep. Is it every bit as bloody, horrifying, awful to watch, and nasty as you think? No. Actually, it's worse on all counts. No, really.
Is it mindless torture porn? Absolutely not.
Saw has a story -- and a very decent one, if you enjoy psychological horror -- and usually has valid reasons for turning the gore dial to 11. Occasionally it doesn't have those valid reasons (hence the 4/5 stars), but most of the violence isn't gratuitous, and those who think it is show their ignorance of the extremely complicated and layered plot (I can completely understand if you couldn't stand to watch it long enough to get the plot, but don't judge on what you haven't seen, please). I really enjoy the serial storyline -- you have to have been on board since the first movie to understand what's going on, and every movie keeps the audience on their toes and requires sustained and careful attention to appreciate the various stomach-dropping endings.
Saw wrestles with some really interesting psychology and has some great characters. I don't think it's appropriate for children with the exception of the particularly-mature mid-to-late teen, but there's a lot to like here if things like Dexter or Law and Order are up your alley. At the "invincible age" where teenagers often make reckless decisions, there are good things to learn here if put into the proper context. I agree with Tobin Bell ("Jigsaw") that anything that makes young people ask questions like, "how would I live differently if today were my last chance?" is a good thing.
Don't say there's no story just because you can't keep your eyes open long enough to get the story. These films are not torture porn.
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| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Kevin Greutert |
| Cast: | Costas Mandylor, Shawnee Smith, Tobin Bell |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Run time: | 90 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 23, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | January 26, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, and language |
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