Spiral: Saw - Avis

...returns to the roots of the franchise, with its Se7en-like grungy aesthetic and grisly murders that nourish the cravings of extremity horror hounds.

...fully embraces Saw’s widely overlooked strengths, emerging, perhaps surprisingly, as the most political horror movie since 'Get Out'.

...there never seems to be a shortage of ways to impale, suffocate or whatever someone to death.

...returns to the roots of the franchise, with its Se7en-like grungy aesthetic and grisly murders that nourish the cravings of extremity horror hounds.

...fully embraces Saw’s widely overlooked strengths, emerging, perhaps surprisingly, as the most political horror movie since 'Get Out'.

...there never seems to be a shortage of ways to impale, suffocate or whatever someone to death.

This is the fourth “Saw” movie for Darren Lynn Bousman, and he clearly knows how to stage those infamous scenes where some unseen, creepy-sounding monster has kidnapped a targeted individual...

Chris Rock brings some fresh blood to the late-stage sequel...

In his role, Rock offers an impressive, modulated performance, finding ways to slip his persona into the character with a few funny jabs here and there.

Rock is a charismatic choice for the role of Detective Zeke Banks, who has become something of a black sheep in his department since he reported his crooked partner to internal affairs.

Chris Rock provides a shot of adrenaline for the franchise...

"Spiral" is still very much a "Saw" movie at heart, but Chris Rock brings enough of an edge to make the series feel a little sharper again.