The Saw franchise continues to be one𝓀 of the most divisive horror series ever, maligned as crass commercial trash by horror purists but beloved by less obsessed thrill-seekers.

Saw 3D – improbably touted as the ‘final&rsq♛uo; film in the series &🔜ndash; will do little to inch either camp in a different direction.

The story involves author Bobby Dagen (Sean Patrick Flanery), a rare survivor ofꦆ o𒀰ne of the deadly traps set by the morally dubious puzzle-box killer Jigsaw (Tobin Bell).

Dagen’s used his story to become a successful self-help guru, much to the chagrin of n🗹ow-dead Jigsaw’s shadowy m🌳inions.

Said lackeys concoct a new set of stabby, limb-chopping traps in which to snare Dagen&rsq🗹uo;s friends and family, forcing him to once again face Jigsaw’s judgment. Plenty of blood and scr🐬eaming ensues.

To director Kevin Greutert’s (Saw VI) credit, there are several major twists, one very unexpected character from a prior Saw returns, and (nearly) everyone dies in the end, so this entry does, at least, feel like a grand finale.

On the other hand, the 3D is barely-there, the clanging machine-rock soundtrack is merciless, and the t🀅raps are decidedly ho-hum. Even running its final lap, Saw still oozes mediocrity.