Cabin in the Woods review

My oh my, where to start...

Cabin in the Woods is a movie that almost defies description. I've heard some reviewers talk about how they are unable give an in-depth review without spoiling it. I completely and wholeheartedly agree. It is impossible to review this movie without spoiling it. Yet, Cabin in the Woods is the reason we go to see movies...but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Let's start at the beginning. The film was shot three years ago. It was the brainchild of Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon. Whedon is the creator and writer of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, and Dollhouse (just to name-check SOME of his TV credentials). He's also the writer and director of Serenity and the upcoming little film known as the AVENGERS. Drew Goddard was one of the head writers for Buffy and Angel and went on to write Cloverfield as well as direct Cabin in the Woods.

The duo came up with a love-hate letter to the horror genre which became our movie. It was an attack on torture-porn (a sub-horror genre the two felt had devolved horror - rightfully so) and an homage to some of horror's classic set-ups.

Long story short, MGM, who financed the film went under. Years later, we have the release of this wondrous, daring, and brilliant piece of cinema.

From the get-go something is amiss in the world of Cabin in the Woods. We know something is up. And if you've seen the trailer, you can tell that not all is right with this world. Someone and/or Something is messing with the set-up here...and with the kids that we are almost instantly introduced to: Insert five random late-teens/early-twenties stereotypes.

Said five kids are on a vacation to a cabin...in the woods...only part of the story that is cliche'. Needless to say, shit hits the fan. There is a force that comes in to play that is absolutely to be reckoned with.

And that's all I can really say about the plot without giving anything away.

However, I CAN say that when we get about 2/3 of the way into the movie: SHIT GET'S REAL and the movie forgets formula completely and goes totally OFF THE RAILS - but in a good way.

The film mocks conventions and takes some GINORMOUS risks that your average movie goer may not be able to follow nor get behind. It is a bloody, violent, insane flick. I marvel that it was actually made in the current cinema climate. This is a movie that belongs in the 80's. It revels in it's gore and it's brilliance and complete nutso left turns.

As I said earlier, this sort of movie is the REASON we go to see movies in the first place. It's entertaining as all Hell and brings something completely new to the table while still staying smart and fresh. In fact, if I had to describe this movie by one word it would be: HIP. The dialogue is quick and intelligent without being too snarky or self-aware. And when I use the word hip, it's the farthest thing from fucking hipster so get that out of your head right now.

And with this beauty as the star of the piece...more interest should be given.

This is a phenomenal movie with mind-altering twists and turns. It's got a giant plot development that you have to jump on board with. It's pretty far-out and science-fictiony but it's ultimately amazing and brilliant if only because: THEY. ACTUALLY. WENT. THERE.

When you have a talented team that put their balls on the chopping block and actually produced something batshit crazy that still works...well, you have to give it to them. Kudos, to you sirs.



10 / 10