The Cabin In The Woods: Movie Review

Bizarre is an understatement when it comes to describing this movie. Seriously, if you thought you knew or even had an idea as to the film’s outcome, you’re wrong. Yes, I’m fully aware many have come across a trailer or TV spot, but the fact is that although there’s a blanket idea, what’s underneath is total, twisted chaos!
From the mindful-freak-duo of Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, the magic within The Cabin in the Woods stems from following vintage horror genre rules for starters, giving us what seems to be your common slasher film scenarios, then embarking on a balls out visual of what it must look like if the human eye were able to see Charles Manson’s thoughts.
Prior to an opening scene which clearly gives off you’re in for something different, Cabin introduces us to an all too common display of five (5) college friends – Curt (Chris “Thor” Hemsworth), Dana (Kristen Connolly), Holden (Jesse Williams), Jules (Anna Hutchison) and Marty (Fran Kranz) – embarking on a typical getaway so far out, modern technology isn’t working – GPS! The idea behind this trip? A nice weekend of fun, but what these poor souls are ignorant on is that this entire attempt of down-time excitement will soon wind up turning into something out of their minds and control.
Covering what was predictable, much of the visceral, sadistic, vile and gore that’s presented at first mimics a lot which can be compared to your Friday the 13th’s, Texas Chainsaw Massacres and a little Evil Dead. Yes! If you’re the type who thrives on jocks, whores, virgins being chased and hunted – this one’s for you my morbid-heartened, friends!
What’s interesting about this bloody fun is that these kids have NO idea that the entire ordeal is being orchestrated by two sci-fi sadists (Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford) with motives beyond anything one would consider humane. To say more would completely suck and spoil it, however, I will say this – the less you know about what’s deeper in the plot, the better, as that’s what makes this demented film fun to watch.
Despite all the horrid scenes during the first two (2) acts, what’s presented is a stroll down strawberry fields compared to all the abnormalities, climactic and enjoyable third (3rd) and last!
Personally, I loved what Whedon and Goddard did with the script. Although following a common pattern, they clearly made it their own – kind of a hostile takeover on a genre that’s been suffering for quite some time now. With the exception of the Saw franchise and perhaps Insidious, everything else has been either lame or pieces with potential, but lost its swag somewhere down the line… If anything, with all that transpired in this film, I think it’s what House on Haunted Hill would look like if tripping on Ecstasy and Crack, while smashed on Tequila.
At times the story may come off stupid or not scary. To a degree, there’s truth – especially with the comedy. I’m not a fan of horror and comedy as a team, but this film was an exception, as there were scenes I found funny and tied in well with destruction.
The Cabin in the Woods will make you cringe, laugh, root for some deaths and also provides a surprise cameo towards the end. It’s worth a watch with friends, family, or fuck it – yourself!
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Grade: B / Genre: Horror, Thriller, Comedy / Rated: R / Run Time: 1 Hour. 35 Min.
Starring: Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, Jesse Williams, Chris Hemsworth, Fran Kanz, Kristen Connolly, Anna Hutchinson, Brian White, Amy Acker
Director: Drew Goddard