Saw IV
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Paterson, Arthena Karkanis
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman.
Since Saw III ended with the death of Jigsaw and his protégé Amanda you’re probably wondering why we have to deal with another violent and dumb Saw Film. Well Saw III made a large profit proving that Saw is still a very bankable franchise and like the saying goes, “where there’s a will there’s a way”.
Saw IV begins with FBI profilers Strahm and Perez arrive on the scene of the grisly remains of the last film and soon learn that Jigsaw still has one more game to play Involving Swat Commander Rigg. We also learn Jigsaw’s back-story and what really causes him to do what he does the way he does.
The film is just more of the same boring bloody tricks from the people that have a made career on this stale franchise. Like the previous film Saw IV is Low on tension or real frights. However, if you enjoy squirming in your seat and having to constantly look at the ground as you hear the sound of bone’s crunching and flesh tearing then you will have fun with Saw IV. Otherwise, I suggest you avoid this film.

The Game Plan
Starring: The Rock and Madison Pettis
Directed by Andy Fickman
The Rock plays Joe Kingman, a professional quarterback whose life turns gets turnaround when he learns he has an 8-year old daughter.
With The Game Plan we have the same old generic story line about a masculine, single, and selfish man learning valuable life lessons when a child abruptly enters his life. If you are over the age of nine you will most likely be bored to tears by this film. The laughs are not aimed at anyone over the age of nine. Anyone who has graduated from elementary school will probably average a chuckle and a half during the film. I would only suggest this to parents or babysitters to entertain the little ones in their life. Anybody else will have no use for this trite film.

The Hunting Party
Starring Richard Gere, Jesse Eisenberg, and Terrence Howard
Directed by: Richard Shepard
A washed up journalist (Gere) and his former cameraman (Howard) go on a journey to interview a war criminal in Bosnia. Along with them is Ben (Eisenberg) the nephew of a powerful TV executive. The three discover that the journey proves to be much more dangerous than they imagined.
Solid acting and some very funny and dark comic moments make this film fairly entertaining. However, the film is unbalanced never really making up it’s mind if wants to be a poignant political film or an exciting and bizarre romp. Ultimately, The Hunting Party does contain enough memorable moments to moderately satisfy the audience, and is certainly the best new release hitting the video stores this week.

Other releases: Girls Next Door: Season 3, ER: The complete 8th season, and Simple Life 5.