The Cabin in the Woods @ Amazon
It’s been years since I’ve watched what Hollywood calls these days, a Horror Movie. They all seem to be a rehash of the same story lines that surfaced in the 70’s. Dialogue, plot, and story structure have all been replaced with “more blood.” So I generally stay away from the horror genre unless it adds something fresh and new to the pot. (Considering most horror films are number “X” in a series, very few offer anything worth wild at all)
Joss Whedon has been everywhere recently and
considering what they’re saying about him, he can do no wrong. Well, I’m here to say “The Cabin in the
Woods” does nothing to tarnish his record.
Story:
It’s
the same old story: 5 teenagers decide to take a weekend and head into the most
remote cabin in the world. Void of
civilization, technology, and anything that makes sense. All hell breaks loose after one couple
decides to have sex, and then one by one the group is hunted down by
supernatural beings.
Sound familiar? Well, that’s the plot…or is it. What Joss Whedon does well, is he can take a dull, outdated story and turn it into something fun and fresh—while still including the essential bits that make it a horror film. Not to mention, there were parts that were laugh out loud hysterical, and any film that tells a great story and makes me laugh in the process is a keeper in my book.
My
Thoughts:
“The
Cabin in the Woods” is just as much horror as it is mystery, and I liked the
fact that Whedon doesn’t hold your hand through the film and explain every
little thing that’s happening and why.
The scenes switch back and forth between the teenagers at the cabin and
working stiffs in an office building.
Along the way, small clues and hints of something else entirely going on
are dropped in each scene. But nothing
is really explained until the very end, which if you paid close attention, you
can somewhat surmise what the ending will be like. But like I said, some scenes are outrageously
funny and very, very…unexpected. When
you think it’s about to end, the volume gets turned up to eleven.
As
with the Avengers, Joss Whedon has no problem handling a group of people, as a
matter of fact, this has really become his staple now. The characters are all likeable, because they
all have an underlining sense of humor, that’s executed perfectly in the
dialogue and how they react to their situations. I really don’t want to tell you much more,
for fear of spoiling the awesome plot, so if you like Whedon’s movies or are into
horror, then this is a no-brainer.
I
am truly surprised that a genre I thought was basically dead can be turned into
a movie that will sit on the same shelf with my other favorite movies of the
year. Don’t be afraid to rent or buy
“The Cabin in the Woods”; it’s excellent.
Hopefully other directors and writers will start with
story/plot/characters first, and then add the blood and guts later—probably
not, but one can dream right?
Happy Halloween!
A Solid 4 out of 5 stars
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