The film's aim to bring its convoluted saga full-circle through the reappearance of original "Saw" victim Carey Elwes merely reeks of desperation, a futile final stab at imparting significance to a creatively bankrupt franchise that need not be resuscitated.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
Saw 3-D is in 3-D. Really, really bad 3-D.
The Hollywood Reporter by Frank Scheck
This seventh installment does at least provide a reasonably satisfying conclusion to the series in the unlikely event they choose to give it a rest.
Austin Chronicle by Marc Savlov
Fans of the series, if there are any left and I'm not too certain that there are, will enjoy the usual smorgasbord of lower intestines spilling out from the screen and onto their laps (via the profoundly crappy 3-D) as well as an above-average opening slaughter involving two men, one woman, several buzz saws, and a crowd of gawking onlookers.
Los Angeles Times by Michael Ordona
There's also no point in paying the 3-D ticket price for occasional bits of gristle flying your way, or blurry action shots. Whereas the first "Saw" got marks for originality, the filmmakers have so lost their fastballs that this one's extreme gore provokes either laughter or sleep.
The New York Times by Mike Hale
Be aware: if you see the film in a theater equipped with RealD 3D and Dolby sound, you'll come away with a pretty good idea of what it would feel like to have flying body parts hit you in the face.
That Saw 3D is relentlessly repugnant will delight the franchise's fans and surprise almost no one. The best that can be said for the picture, gamely directed by longtime "Saw" cutter Kevin Greutert, is that it offers little in between the traps, which are more creatively vicious than they've ever been.
Boxoffice Magazine by Steve Ramos
Production values from designer Anthony A. Ianni are matter-of-fact with the exception of standout effects from key make up artist Colin Penman and his staff. Its cast is fairly forgettable with the exception of Saw veteran Tobin Bell as Jigsaw and Cary Elwes as Gordon.
The dismemberment and torture are now shtick. The filmmakers - "Saw" veterans - struggle to imbue this movie with the usual righteousness.