Dr. Gordon Returns to Saw 7

[The Dark Defender]

Easily the weakest of the series. It's a great Final Destination-esque splatterfest, but it's a pretty poor SAW finale.
Dagen's game was irrelevant, too many trap sequences with insignificant people that don't tie into anything, barely any of Jigsaw, doesn't even acknowledge things that were set up to be in this film, doesn't feel like a finale but rather just another sequel...

I liked it, but it's a huge let down.

 

[nocomics]

I returned from seeing it and am quite disappointed. I didn't completely hate it, but so far it's one of my least favorite Saws. Not as much as Saw III, but still low on my list.

Spoiler

Jigsaw was WAY underused. Seriously, he's in this? I think he had more screentime in the first Saw than this.
Too trap-oriented and not enough story. Saw VI, trap-focused as it was, at least had a strong plot that went hand in hand with the traps and expanded the backstory. This did practically none of that. It was mainly traps and gore. Easily the most gore-driven Saw of all.
Speaking of traps, too many overly complex and elaborate ones. I longed for more simplistic Saw and Saw II-style traps.
No Amanda at all, not counting extremely brief Saw II footage used near the end. No Amanda was expected but still a letdown.
Jill dying was garbage and especially the way she did. Seriously, the Jaw Splitter? She didn't deserve that.
Gordon was extremely predictable and not only that, completely underused. Cary's role here was obviously just to pull in viewers after Saw VI underperformed.

Not all was bad. Costas and Betsy were both good as always, Dagen was a cool (if underused) character, Charlie Clouser's score was great as always and I enjoyed some of the traps with the car one being my favorite. And the movie wasn't boring either, but at the same time not thrilling. I felt in the first hour or so it was good but it completely deteriorated in the last third for me.

On a scale of 0-10, this gets maybe a 5/10 from me.

Saw II
Saw
Saw VI
Saw V
Saw IV
Saw VII
Saw III

I wasn't so letdown that it hurt my spirit for the RPGs though, because it actually did give me some ideas and it especially made me more eager to write more of Hoffman. And it might even be canon in S4 with some tweaking made to previous posts.

Pretty much my sediments as well. I don't think the 3D was a bonus at all,and I probably should of just saw it in 2D.

Spoiler

I agree with quoted post as this movie was very trap/gore oriented which took away from any story. They somewhat underused Dr.Gordon imo and I'm sure everyone else's. I'm not sure if I liked the idea of Jill being killed,but noones ever safe in these movies. Hoffman was good again imo and hes been a very strong character. Not much backstory in this one involving Gordon just enough to show he was having jill's back. The traps were okay nothing special,but not boring neither. I think the intestine spilling out of the first trap was not needed at all and to me took away from that small scene.
I think or wished they would of tended to the story more than the traps,but it is what it is. Not the best Saw movie,but not the worst imo just for the supposed last Saw it would of been better. Just didn't feel like there was any continuity with the other films at all which hurt. 5/10

Have to say my favorite Saw movies:
Saw
Saw III
Saw V
Saw IV
Saw VI
Saw VII
Saw II

 

[Nightmare]

Pretty disappointed. Didn't really like the end at all. Some cool kills. Maybe like 3 good shots in 3D. Meh. Definitely not worth what I paid for it.

 

[S.A.A.D.]

I basically just came back from seeing the movie,I dug it for the most part,it made up for what is the weakest installment in the Saw series. Saw V. One trap is weak(the one for the guroo's friend),I don't like how Hoffman forgot about the I know who you are letter,

Spoiler

and I don't like how he wasn't armed when he got attacked,I don't like how Dr.Gordon sat out of the movie for as long as he did,

,I still hate how Dr.Gordon has unknown helpers. I am certain that Gordon acted on Jigsaw's behalf regarding Jill because he gave him a chance to live and because he replaced his old foot for him. I am also slightly annoyed about how Jill became a victim so easily later on. I hope that Hoffman at some point creates some sort of trick up his sleeve.

Spoiler

I wish that Jill's dream was her actual death.

I just realized that Hoffman framed Dr.Gordon in part V.

From best to worst as of now:

Saw
Saw III
Saw IV
Saw VII
Saw II
Saw V

 

[nocomics]

I basically just came back from seeing the movie,I dug it for the most part,it made up for what is the weakest installment in the Saw series. Saw V. One trap is weak(the one for the guroo's friend),I don't like how Hoffman forgot about the I know who you are letter,

Spoiler

and I don't like how he wasn't armed when he got attacked,I don't like how Dr.Gordon sat out of the movie for as long as he did,

,I still hate how Dr.Gordon has unknown helpers. I am certain that Gordon acted on Jigsaw's behalf regarding Jill because he gave him a chance to live and because he replaced his old foot for him. I am also slightly annoyed about how Jill became a victim so easily later on. I hope that Hoffman at some point creates some sort of trick up his sleeve.

Spoiler

I wish that Jill's dream was her actual death.

I just realized that Hoffman framed Dr.Gordon in part V.

From best to worst as of now:

Saw
Saw III
Saw IV
Saw VII
Saw II
Saw V

Spoiler

The highlighted part was addressed in the movie you may of missed it? He told Dr.Gordon to watch over Jill and if something happened to her to act quickly. Never gave a reason why he should,but I guess like his other helpers they felt reborn and appreciative of Jiggs. Im also confused on Dr.Gordons helpers not sure what that was about? Maybe it was a leadin for another series w/Dr.Gordon???? However; I hope this was the end albeit it was a weak ending just hope it ends the series now as I believe its run its course.Also that relates to Dr.Gordon they seemed to rush his backstory with Jiggs as to help and why there was no interaction with Hoffman and Amanda?

 

[Warhammer]

Was Hoffman aware that Dr. Gordon [blackout]helped Jigsaw by organizing traps prior to the ending?[/blackout] I mean, with Hoffman being the new Jigsaw, wouldn't he have known?

 

[S.A.A.D.]

Spoiler

The highlighted part was addressed in the movie you may of missed it? He told Dr.Gordon to watch over Jill and if something happened to her to act quickly. Never gave a reason why he should,but I guess like his other helpers they felt reborn and appreciative of Jiggs. Im also confused on Dr.Gordons helpers not sure what that was about? Maybe it was a leadin for another series w/Dr.Gordon???? However; I hope this was the end albeit it was a weak ending just hope it ends the series now as I believe its run its course.Also that relates to Dr.Gordon they seemed to rush his backstory with Jiggs as to help and why there was no interaction with Hoffman and Amanda?

Nothing in the movie indicates that Dr.Gordon appreciates being reborn,instead he just pointlessly spews out lines as if something grim and terrible happened to him in it.

 

[S.A.A.D.]

Was Hoffman aware that Dr. Gordon [blackout]helped Jigsaw by organizing traps prior to the ending?[/blackout] I mean, with Hoffman being the new Jigsaw, wouldn't he have known?

I take it that Jigsaw decided to keep it a secret from Hoffman on purpose. I believe that if he had told him that he(John
Kramer) wouldn't have gotten justice just in case Jill bit the dust.

 

[Legion]

Spoiler

The highlighted part was addressed in the movie you may of missed it? He told Dr.Gordon to watch over Jill and if something happened to her to act quickly. Never gave a reason why he should,but I guess like his other helpers they felt reborn and appreciative of Jiggs. Im also confused on Dr.Gordons helpers not sure what that was about? Maybe it was a leadin for another series w/Dr.Gordon???? However; I hope this was the end albeit it was a weak ending just hope it ends the series now as I believe its run its course.Also that relates to Dr.Gordon they seemed to rush his backstory with Jiggs as to help and why there was no interaction with Hoffman and Amanda?

Spoiler

I believe that that the other helpers were in fact the other jigsaw survivors what we saw at the counseling earlier in the movie.

I was happy to see Dr. Gordon return but like others have said I wished that there was some more back story that explained his motivation. I also think that they were giving in to the fan's theories and hopes to see him as a Jigsaw helper.

I never believed he would be an apprentice because I don't think he passed his test. He didn't saw his foot off and kill Adam within the given time. He also believed his wife and daughter were killed so again I don't think he had the same life changing experience as the other survivors. For these reasons Jigsaw also wouldn't have taken him in. I don't see him taking pity on someone who failed his game.

I was also shocked at Jill's death. I was sure Gordon would have shown up to save her. Jigsaw said to keep an eye on Jill and act immediately if anything happened to her. So where was Gordon watching over Jill? Why didn't Jill go to Gordon for help? And why did Jigsaw ask Jill to carry out such a dangerous task of testing Hoffman when he had Gordon?

On a side note did anyone notice the singer from Linkin Park in the car trap?

 

[S.A.A.D.]

Dr.Gordon shouldn't even be Jigsaw's apprentice,we never saw him come off as appreciative at all during his time in the movie,he learned nothing. This movie gave him a chance,but nope. Just when I thought the movie couldn't be more
disappointing,I am now hoping that there will be a director's cut that can at least fix some of the underlying gripes.

What do you think LastSunrise1981?

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Watched it and I really did enjoy it. But it definitely had its flaws that's for sure.

Spoiler

The story itself was pretty weak admittely so and in all fairness to the lack of Jigsaw. It was said from the very beginning that the character would have less screen time than the previous films. So for those complaining about it, that's one thing they didn't lie about. Tobin's final contractual obligations was this film and he'll most likely move on from this.

As for the ending? I really loved it. Granted it was the ultimate fanboy dream come true, however, I think if there is an 8th film it will probably dive in deeper into Gordon's backstory. What happened to his wife and daughter? He wasn't wearing his wedding ring, so maybe she left him when he became a changed man?

 

[SuperBatman]

Actually if u really think about it

Spoiler

Dr. Gordon was the guy that started Bobbys game. Hoffman was too concerned to go after Jill. It was Dr. Gordon who captured Bobby and put him in the games.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Dr.Gordon shouldn't even be Jigsaw's apprentice,we never saw him come off as appreciative at all during his time in the movie,he learned nothing. This movie gave him a chance,but nope. Just when I thought the movie couldn't be more
disappointing,I am now hoping that there will be a director's cut that can at least fix some of the underlying gripes.

What do you think LastSunrise1981?

Spoiler

I honestly believe Gordon became an apprentice because he showed John that he had what it took to survive. He placed his foot on the burning pipe to cauterize it, he didn't attack John when he saved him, and he was nursed back to health by John. So in a sense he developed a sense of stockholm syndrome like Amanda.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Actually if u really think about it

Spoiler

Dr. Gordon was the guy that started Bobbys game. Hoffman was too concerned to go after Jill. It was Dr. Gordon who captured Bobby and put him in the games.

Spoiler

Good point. I definitely didn't think about that. I agree with you completely. One of the things that got me is how did Hoffman move that quickly? I think we need some sort of timeline and the length of time the events were going on.

Because there's no way Hoffman should've been that organized and stealth like.

 

[S.A.A.D.]

Watched it and I really did enjoy it. But it definitely had its flaws that's for sure.

Spoiler

The story itself was pretty weak admittely so and in all fairness to the lack of Jigsaw. It was said from the very beginning that the character would have less screen time than the previous films. So for those complaining about it, that's one thing they didn't lie about. Tobin's final contractual obligations was this film and he'll most likely move on from this.

As for the ending? I really loved it. Granted it was the ultimate fanboy dream come true, however, I think if there is an 8th film it will probably dive in deeper into Gordon's backstory. What happened to his wife and daughter? He wasn't wearing his wedding ring, so maybe she left him when he became a changed man?

You're probably right that part 8 will delve into Gordon's backstory.

It just dawned on me that the car trap victims were racists. They deserved to die the way that they did.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

You're probably right that part 8 will delve into Gordon's backstory.

It just dawned on me that the car trap victims were racists. They deserved to die the way that they did.

Spoiler

I think the 8th film should go straight to DVD honestly. Have it be a prequel or a sequel that shows Gordon's backstory. However, I don't think Cary would do it. I think this was his way of giving back to the fans who supported him and begged him to come back.

Let's be honest, Darren(director of Saw II-IV) said he flat out intended to keep Gordon's fate a mystery and let fans make up their own mind.

The cop flat out annoyed me though. He was a very, very bad actor and the only thing that got a laugh out of the audience was when he kept on calling Jill crazy. Other than that? I was glad when he literally bit the bullet. There's nowhere to go with the franchise anymore. Let it make its money, let it go, and create another original horror franchise to take its place.

 

[The Dark Defender]

Dr.Gordon shouldn't even be Jigsaw's apprentice,we never saw him come off as appreciative at all during his time in the movie,he learned nothing. This movie gave him a chance,but nope. Just when I thought the movie couldn't be more
disappointing,I am now hoping that there will be a director's cut that can at least fix some of the underlying gripes.

Gordon was obviously more appreciative of what he had by the end of the film, just the fact that he was willing to fight so frantically to get back to it demonstrated that, the "I wouldn't lie to you" line was a crucial part of his arc, meant to be the first time he'd said that and actually meant it, showing he'd become a more genuine person if he were to make it out of there alive.

BTW, there's no way in the hell the 8th film will go dtv...this movie just had the biggest opening night ever for a Lions Gate film and it's on its way to around $50-60 million total...it's the first time SAW has went up in gross since SAW III (which made very slightly less than II domestic, but more worldwide).

 

[bullets]

So now that I've been spoiled on the ending , does it make a difference in watching the film. It sounds like they gave people what they were asking for by bringing back Dr Gordon , some people love the ending and some hate it . I'm confused.

Also does that character die like they did in the tv spot?

 

[DarkKnight88]

BTW, there's no way in the hell the 8th film will go dtv...this movie just had the biggest opening night ever for a Lions Gate film and it's on its way to around $50-60 million total...it's the first time SAW has went up in gross since SAW III (which made very slightly less than II domestic, but more worldwide).

11 M isn't the biggest opening day. It's fine but its opening weekend will probably be 24 M which is still worse than 2, 3, 4 and 5. Its drop will be huge once Halloween is over.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

11 M isn't the biggest opening day. It's fine but its opening weekend will probably be 24 M which is still worse than 2, 3, 4 and 5. Its drop will be huge once Halloween is over.

It won't matter seeing as the budget was only 17 million. The fact that they filmed it specifically for 3D and as you know the cost of 3D is higher, so how much it'll make is conjecture on anyones part. But with that said it'll definitely do good.

But it really shouldn't be concerned with anyone because it's supposed to be the last film and they REALLY need to stop after this. They closed everything up the way it should.

Granted a lot of things are still open, however,

Spoiler

I'm fine with Dr. Gordon bringing everything full circle and ending Hoffman's legacy.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Gordon was obviously more appreciative of what he had by the end of the film, just the fact that he was willing to fight so frantically to get back to it demonstrated that, the "I wouldn't lie to you" line was a crucial part of his arc, meant to be the first time he'd said that and actually meant it, showing he'd become a more genuine person if he were to make it out of there alive.

BTW, there's no way in the hell the 8th film will go dtv...this movie just had the biggest opening night ever for a Lions Gate film and it's on its way to around $50-60 million total...it's the first time SAW has went up in gross since SAW III (which made very slightly less than II domestic, but more worldwide).

Well, it'll need to go straight to DVD honestly. There's no way they can continue this and no way any of the actors/actresses will be back.

Spoiler

Hoffman is still alive, but Costas probably doesn't want to do this anymore. Cary is definitely done after this. Tobin is done. Jill is dead so Betsy will not be back. All of your character arcs are closed and it would be pointless for them to continue this.

Spoiler

I would've ended the film similar to Saw 1 how it went into the credits with Adam screaming. I would've ended it with Hoffman screaming in the bathroom and threatening Gordon.

 

[S.A.A.D.]

I am honestly not happy if this is really is the final Saw movie,Dr.Gordon is still alive,and Hoffman is too. What should have happened is Hoffman setting off a trap for Dr.Gordon even though he is trapped. The people have screwed this up by keeping them alive,and by especially bringing in Jigsaw's apprentice helpers into the picture,that is three things that they botched. By keeping them alive,they are inviting the idea of a sequel to Saw VII to be made. Hopefully this this is the last one business is just a box office test,to see if it doe's better financially than Saw VI,if the guys were smart Dr.Gordon and Hoffman,and the helpers would have been shown getting killed off.

 

[Legion]

I am honestly not happy if this is really is the final Saw movie,Dr.Gordon is still alive,and Hoffman is too. What should have happened is Hoffman setting off a trap for Dr.Gordon even though he is trapped. The people have screwed this up by keeping them alive,and by especially bringing in Jigsaw's apprentice helpers into the picture,that is three things that they botched. By keeping them alive,they are inviting the idea of a sequel to Saw VII to be made. Hopefully this this is the last one business is just a box office test,to see if it doe's better financially than Saw VI,if the guys were smart Dr.Gordon and Hoffman,and the helpers would have been shown getting killed off.

Hoffman is going to die in that room though. If he were to escape again that would be just ridiculous. He would really have surpassed John the original Jigsaw and the movies would lose even more meaning.

Also I think that Dr. Gordon's involvement was different than the other apprentices. I think his purpose was to complete the puzzle and bring the games to the end. That's why he didn't put Hoffman in a game he just locked him up and left him to die. A Saw VIII with Hoffman vs. Gordon would serve no purpose since Gordon isn't a new Jigsaw, just like Jill wasn't.

 

[The Dark Defender]

Well, it'll need to go straight to DVD honestly. There's no way they can continue this and no way any of the actors/actresses will be back.

Spoiler

Hoffman is still alive, but Costas probably doesn't want to do this anymore. Cary is definitely done after this. Tobin is done. Jill is dead so Betsy will not be back. All of your character arcs are closed and it would be pointless for them to continue this.

Spoiler

I would've ended the film similar to Saw 1 how it went into the credits with Adam screaming. I would've ended it with Hoffman screaming in the bathroom and threatening Gordon.

They already have an option on Tobin, he was signed on for 8 films, there's no reason whatsoever that Costas wouldn't want to come back, his resume consists mostly of hokey dtv movies anyway, SAW is by far the biggest thing he has going, and it's like Elwes has many other big projects going on.

 

[The Dark Defender]

11 M isn't the biggest opening day. It's fine but its opening weekend will probably be 24 M which is still worse than 2, 3, 4 and 5. Its drop will be huge once Halloween is over.

I was referring to their early shows, it may more on midnight shows than any of the previous SAWs...and of course it's going to make less than the other SAWs total, I wasn't saying it'd be the highest grossing of the series, but it's a huge step up from where they left off and still makes SAW one of the biggest things LG has going for them.
It's certainly way too successful for them to want to go dtv.