It has been seven years (ten years in movie time) since the events of “Saw: The Final Chapter.”

And Jigsaw has returned to play his sadistic games of life and death once again. Unfortunately, I only recently got hooked on the “Saw” franchise. I know, I’m about thirteen years late to the party. But, better late than never. So, naturally, I was jumping with excitement when I heard we would be getting the eighth installment of the franchise. All my questions would finally be answered.

This was going to be it. We would finally know if John Kramer was really dead. We would finally get our answers. And, oh friends and neighbors, we got what we deserved.

I will say, this film did follow the typical “Saw” format. A pretty twisted and meticulously thought out game is played between people who have lost the value in their lives.

All that happens while some detective and his assistant are trying to find the Jigsaw Killer, and then in the last two minutes of the film the theme music gets more intense and BOOM, massive plot twist. Yeah, that part of the film was predictable.

However, what was not predictable was how the writers escalated this concept to an entirely different level. I mean I sat in the theater on opening night and was face to face with the biggest shock since the ending of the first film in the franchise.

My first reaction was: “That, was the most glorious mind f**k I have ever experienced.”

So, yeah my opinion is that this movie was everything I hoped it would be. I was glad to see that after seven years the story tied into the earlier films instead of derailing and being something entirely different.

Many critics have begun sharing their opinions on the newest installment of the “Saw” franchise, and for the most part, it frowns upon the film.

To paraphrase many reviews, this movie is being viewed as a poor attempt to resurrect a franchise that has had its run. But to the critics and viewers who are feeling this way, I must ask: did you watch the other seven films?

I mean, really, without those films “Jigsaw” has absolutely no context.

This film closes the gaps on many thoughts viewers have. It gives answers. Closure in a sense. When this one ended, I felt that it closed the loose ends and did not leave much room for another sequel.

Which is both satisfying and upsetting. Because who doesn’t love a good psychological murder mystery thriller?

Overall, I would not recommend seeing this film if you have not taken the time to watch the other seven films. I promise it will disappoint if you go into this movie blindly.

However, if you have seen the previous movies, do not listen to the critics. This film enhances the rest of the franchise and sheds an entirely new light and the work of John Kramer.

But I will leave you with a line from Jigsaw himself about whether or not you should watch this film: “The clock is ticking. Make your choice.”