Cabin in the Woods

Cabin in the Woods

Action (Sci-Fi, Horror)

2012

Rated: R

Running Time:

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly, Anna Hutchinson, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford

Directed By: Drew Goddard

Rating: 8 out of 10

Outline

Five kids try to survive a night in a cabin in the woods.

Review

A cabin in the woods is the most clichéd setting for a horror movie there is. It has been done so many times before that this film was pretty much destined to fail. I should never have doubted anything Joss Whedon had his hands on though. This film is so far from clichéd and such a fun watch that I always was wondering what was going to happen next. Cabin in the Woods is the story of five friends who head out for some rest and relaxation. What starts off as a nice vacation turns into a fight for their lives as there is more to this simple wood cabin then they ever bargained for.

In a time where Hollywood struggles for originality and are remaking everything Cabin in the Woods stands out like the North Star. If you have an open mind when it comes to movies then this surely is the film for you. This will be a hard review to do as this film is not like anything I have seen before and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. People have panned this movie calling it stupid and a waste of time. I strongly disagree with that statement but can understand why people might not like this film. If you go in looking for straight horror then this will surely disappoint. I also have heard people say this is the best horror of all time and say it redefines the genre much like the movie Saw did. This film redefines nothing when it comes to horror as it has too much Sci-Fi in it to even call it a straight horror. The brilliance of the film is how incessantly boring and purposely predictable everything is. Then when you least expect it something happens that turns the film on its head. A basic start sees an introduction to the kids and them driving out to the cabin in the woods. Of course on the way there they stop at a rundown gas station and have an encounter with the creepy owner. From there they make it to the cabin and settle in. The film is so simple that you are not sure what is going to happen. The cabin is filled with old items and creepy décor. Puzzling out what is going to happen is part of this films charm. There is clearly something more than meets the eye to this cabin and the viewer and the five characters get to discover it out together.

True to the stories form even the characters are absurdly cliché. We have the five of them represented by; the stoner; the jock; the popular girl; the virgin; and the nerd which is great. The acting is perfectly adequate in a film of this nature. While it is nothing exceptional it never detracts from the film and more importantly doesn’t detract from the scares. Chris Hemsworth is in this if you are a fan of his.

As the film rolls along it is the perfect blend of suspense, gore, and comedy. I would brand this film a hor-com if I didn’t think I would receive nasty emails about that title. The five friends must find a way to survive the sinister creatures of the night that are hell bent on their murder. It is crazy to me that a film can work on so many levels and yet I always seemed on edge when the scares come. When the end finally happens and this test of survival unfolds the film doesn’t disappoint with a final scene that will shock most viewers. Bottom line is the movie NEEDS to be seen by people looking for a fresh story and a solid amount of frights and laughs.

Director and co-writer Drew Goddard collaborates with writer Joss Whedon and designs a film that is so simple it is awesome. You can see elements of Buffy the Vampire Slayer writing in this story (A show they both worked on) incorporated with horror. It is a unique blend that Whedon fans will love especially if they like gore. The story is so basic, there is sex, pot smoking, drinking, a game of truth or dare, and a cabin in the woods, and yet it is all part of the charm. The blood is gushing by the bucketful and the story is a journey you won’t want to miss.

I give this movie a huge recommendation especially to Whedon fans and anyone looking for an interesting take on the horror genre.

T Factor + If you like Joss Whedon’s resume then this could score higher on the rating scale.

T Factor – If you are a fan of traditional horror then this could score lower on the rating scale.

If you liked this film reel recommendations: The Sixth Sense, Cabin Fever.