Film Review: SPIRAL (2021): Mediocre Reboot Showcases Chris Rock’s Solid Performance

Spiral Review

Spiral (2021) Film Review, a movie directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, and starring Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols, Morgan David Jones, Frank Licari, and John Tokatlidis.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw is a series reboot that revives the Saw franchise. Sort of. It’s a by-the-numbers plot that actually shines in many scenes thanks to the fine work of Chris Rock who has sort of made a new career for himself with his dramatic work in this film and on TV’s “Fargo.” When watching Rock all those years back in comedic films like Down to Earth, it would seem impossible to think his performance in this new horror film was possible. But, Rock makes it happen with his portrayal of Detective Zeke Banks, the hero of the new terrifying, but ultimately too over-the-top, Saw picture.

For those wondering if they have the stomach to sit through this picture, the first “trap” the film unveils will make up their minds. A man is in a train station tunnel hanging with his tongue nailed down as a train is to soon approach and take his life unless he plays the game the film’s diabolical villain proposes. To be honest, at this point in the film, I wanted to walk out but the presence of a pig-masked bad guy and actually getting through the grueling first torture scene of the movie made me stay.

Rock, the revelation of the film, plays Banks as a bad-ass who is too cool to play by the rules as he botches an assignment when we first meet him in the picture. His new partner William (Max Minghella) teams up with him but Banks initially seems reluctant to work with this wet-behind-the-ears colleague. William has a tattoo that will ultimately make for some interesting plot development so keep your eye on that tattoo.

Samuel L. Jackson plays Zeke’s dad, Marcus. Jackson and Rock bicker and argue a lot throughout the film as Marcus has quite a history with the police force and as the plot unveils it’s secrets, Jackson and Rock trade a lot of interesting lines which help advance the story but this dialogue adds little overall excitement to the story line. We keep waiting for the next trap to appear. It’s the film’s traps which are set by the “killer” which keep the audience intrigued.

One particularly good scene involves Captain Angie Garza (Marisol Nichols) who is Zeke’s female superior. When she goes downstairs in the precinct to get information on a case, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats wondering which trap the killer will have in store for her. The excitement follows as Zeke must get there to rescue her before it’s too late.

Director Darren Lynn Bousman who has directed other installments of the Saw franchise could probably do this story in his sleep but the urban edge the movie possesses is relatable and his actors are top notch.

However, the films in this franchise, more often than not, contain scenes that can tick off the audience with traps that are more complex than they need to be. That is the case with this particular film. When the audience believes they understand what is going on, the movie will throw in another twist willy nilly and it can get frustrating.

Rock is the glue that holds the movie together. His performance is always relatable to the audience and we want to see him get this psycho and save the day. Rock has an every-man quality that is particularly effective here and Jackson has his moments as well as his father.

But, the movie gets bogged down in backstory and we never quite feel as satisfied as audience members as we should be.

Finally, it should be noted that the rap song at the film’s closing credits which is played to the beat of the music from the Saw franchise pictures is quite successful and helps give the movie an urban appeal.

In short, this is neither the best nor worst of the franchise but watch Chris Rock’s career like a hawk. This guy has what it takes to be a great dramatic actor!

Rating: 6/10

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