One pretty dull 'Saw'

“Saw 3D”

One and one half stars

By Gary Buiso

“Saw 3D” is the latest from a once-sharp franchise that has grown progressively duller with each new entry.

Beginning with a non-sequitur of an opening scene — think Home Depot holiday window from hell — the film devolves into a maze of diabolical set pieces whose function has more to do with cinematic narcissism than plot. 

Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), the moral mastermind behind the mayhem, is long gone, but disciple Lt. Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) has been continuing his mission, this time targeting his mentor’s widow, Jill (Betsy Russell). 

The two know each other—she gave him a taste of his own medicine in the last installment.

Meanwhile, Bobby (Sean Patrick Flannery), one of Jigsaws “survivors,” is a self-help guru who has a book tour that is about to get interrupted by a bit more genuine source material. 

Director Kevin Greutert (“Saw VI”) fails to bring any humanity to the script, or life out of his characters—whose performances range from stilted to subpar. 

Watching it all in three dimensions is quite literally a visceral experience, but will likely be appreciated by only the most diehard fans.

“Saw 3D” is rightly the final chapter. Any cultural relevance this franchise once had has been bled dry. 

“Saw 3D.” Rated R for sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, and language. With Costas Mandylor, Sean Patrick Flannery, Betsy Russell, Cary Elwes, Tobin Bell. Playing in Brooklyn at Access Digital Theatres - Pavilion Cinema in Park Slope, UA Court Street Stadium 12 Downtown, UA Sheepshead Bay 14, Bay Ridge Alpine Cinemas, and Linden Boulevard Multiplex Cinemas in East New York.