The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Director: Drew Goddard
Where to get it: Lionsgate
In this film that was made in 2009 but not released until now, five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods. What you get is a very clever (for the most part) horror movie that tried to serve as a horror fan’s wet dream. Especially horror fans that are sick of the remake craze that is still running strong. But as some get caught up in the hype, I think in the long run you’ll realize that while good, REALLY good, this movie still has some major flaws. And as a result, I believe it’s being a bit overrated. But I still do like it for the most part and think it’s shining pretty well so far in the year 2012, when we haven’t had much to write home about.
Cabin in the Woods is a very clever and witty horror film for the most part. Characters reference things we like, the film reference thing we think are cool. And it all comes across as very fun and very cool script that is well written, in part by the dude behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The characters are also well acted and play their horror film roles near perfectly. We do have a stoner character here that seems to be high as all hell, but he also seem to GET what is really going on. But they do overuse him at times and make him somewhat more annoying than funny at different moments in the film. Still, the concept is one you can’t argue with for about 90% of the time. It is different, it is all wink-wink at times, and it also keeps you highly entertained until about the last ten or so minutes of the movie.
While I do think the movie is fun and good for a watch, I don’t think it’s the game changer some make it out to be. It’s not going to do for horror now what Scream did in the 90′s, not even close. But if you can keep from asking a ton of questions you will enjoy the fun side of it. Still, I did keep asking “Why are THESE kids the ones going to the cabin?”. I won’t say more for fear of spoiling it, but given what really is going on, how they got there doesn’t make sense. Also, during the last part of the film during some “elevator” scenes, the CGI does look pretty bad. Like early 2000s bad. I think this is a movie that over uses the CGI a few times. So besides the logic, besides the CGI, and besides the last ten minutes, you have a very cool little movie. This will not be a game changer like some want to make it out to be. But it is still one of the better horror movies this year. And if you turn your brain off for a bit it is highly entertaining.
(8/10)
Features
– Audio commentary with Writer/Director Drew Goddard and Writer/Producer Joss Whedon
– “We Are Not Who We Are: Making The Cabin in the Woods” featurette
– “The Secret Secret Stash” feature
* Marty’s Stash
* Hi, My name is Joss and I’ll be your guide
– Wonder-Con Q&A with Joss and Drew
– “An Army of Nightmares: Make-Up & Animatronic Effects” featurette
– “Primal Terror: Visual Effects” featurette
– “It’s Not What You Think: The Cabin in the Woods” Bonus View Mode (Blu-ray Exclusive)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD SPECIAL FEATURES
– Wonder-Con Q&A with Joss and Drew
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