'Spiral' opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, May 14th, 2021.
Exactly one year after the new “Saw” reboot was supposed to hit theaters, audiences have finally been graced with re-entering that gruesome world where games centered on justice and morality decide your fate. “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” starts with promise and takes an intriguing note out of 2020’s hit list, but ultimately leaves you wanting more.
A criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw. Working in the shadow of his father, an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.
With a new Jigsaw copycat killer targeting the Metro Police Department, Officer Banks, humorously played by Chris Rock with part-stand up, part-dramatic wit, must unravel the clues to discover why this new swine-masked murderer is targeting the force. Samuel L. Jackson makes an appearance as Banks’ father and ex-Chief but his short screen time makes the overall limited character development feel forced.
With clever nods to the original franchise, “Spiral” injects plenty of torture but falls short on originality. Come for some refreshing Chris Rock banter and bloody screams but don’t look too deep in this lackluster attempt at revitalizing an already exhausted idea.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Nicholas Ruhrkraut (Contributor) lives in New York City but is a Midwestern boy at heart. He loves discussing everything film on his podcast "Oscar Wild," cooking and baking at home, reading, and traveling.Click Here to check out Nick's Articles.