The Cabin in the Woods
- Director: Drew Goddard
- Details: US/94mins 16
It's hard to know what to say about Cabin in the Woods without giving too much away. Instead of being one of those films that just completely changes course in the middle (say similarly to From Dusk 'til Dawn) this wonderfully perverse production sets out its quirky, unconventional stall from very early doors. Likely to be too "out there" for those who like their movies with less of a twist, it's a smart, funny and very enjoyable slant on a genre that descended into clichés a long time ago.
Where to start... basically the film opens with your typical college students heading off for a weekend of fornication and frolics in the woods. On the way they meet a grumpy hick bearing more than a passing resemblance to your quintessential serial killer, who basically sign posts their deaths. As this intriguing production progresses, we cut to a government building of some sort where Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins are watching the creepy goings on from what appears to a control room. Trust me, it's funny.
When films sit on the shelf for a couple of years generally it's not a very good sign. But funding studio Summit initially wanted to transfer it into 3D, which producer and co-writer Joss Whedon didn’t fancy very much. Thus it stalled, and the rumours started to surface that it was shite. Regardless of the build up to its release, the resulting film that Goddard and Whedon have delivered is the proprietor of a witty form of satire not seen in this genre since the first Scream film.
Granted, it's not as straightforward a slasher as Wes Craven's genre classic, and the cabin scenes aren’t nearly as entertaining as Whitford and Jenkins' effortless bantering, but it still works both individually and collectively. The latter scenes are pretty much pitch perfect, and even when they move to a slightly darker place it still works cohesively, and builds towards an ending of gleefully unhinged fun.
Worth watching for the great Whitford and Jenkins alone, this is easily the best satirical slasher since the better days of the Scream series.
Review by Mike Sheridan | 16:56 | Friday 13th April 2012 | Movie Review
PreviousDelicacyComments
-
Teekazoid
Have a gander at Cabin Fever if you like this movie, sounds like its cut from the same cloth!
Posted 21:02 | Thu 5th Apr 2012 -
DoubleLetter
^ The only thing similar this film has with Cabin Fever is that it has 'Cabin' in it's title.
Posted 21:57 | Fri 6th Apr 2012 -
Emily
I cannot wait to see this movie!!
Posted 15:38 | Wed 11th Apr 2012 -
CherrySueDointhedo
I passed up tickets to this screening :/ *kicks self*
Posted 15:18 | Wed 11th Apr 2012 -
FilmBuff76
Long-delayed but finally here, The Cabin In The Woods bears all the hallmarks of Buffy The Vampire Slayer team Drew Goddard (director) and Joss Whedon (writer/producer). It could very well be taking place in the same world as Buffy i.e. the Whedonverse. The set-up is on familiar horror territory - five college students take a weekend break in a cabin in a remote part of the countryside, a la Evil Dead. However, something else is going on - someone is monitoring them from a secret underground base. Someone with nefarious intentions... To say anymore would be to spoil its many surprises, twists and turns. If you've seen My Little Eye, then some of it will feel familiar, though the story definitely takes a sharp left turn towards the end. As with so many films, it starts to collapse under the weight of its own ambitions in the third act. However, there are enough laughs and good moments in the preceding two acts to ultimately make it worthwhile in the end. Worth a look, though expect laughs more than scares.
Posted 23:49 | Fri 13th Apr 2012 -
Jamie_Middleton
I get super scared at these movies.
Posted 19:50 | Sat 7th Apr 2012 -
spikeprint
The only good thing about this movie is the Nine Inch Nails track over the credits.
Posted 01:12 | Wed 26th Sep 2012 -
Goffy
Saw this last night and loved it.... It was funny, smart and just a little bit out of left field.. Classic Joss Whedon. Definitely not for everybody though. If you got Firefly and Dollhouse you'll probably like this too....
Posted 10:51 | Thu 19th Apr 2012 -
chell
a horror' movie is not supposed to be funny which this was????? would i recommend it .. NO !! id rather have watched paint dry! Total rubbish and giving it four stars too GET A GRIP!!!
Posted 20:59 | Wed 25th Apr 2012 -
Linda
Really thought this was a brutal film wouldn't recommend to anyone
Posted 16:04 | Mon 16th Apr 2012 -
Corkjohn
A very confused blend of horror genres,that leaves the viewer bewildered for a finish.Think of the basic zombie type scenario married with "The Truman Show" and put pre-christian gods in the mix.It wasn't just one of the central characters i the movie that was smoking pot here!It's a real stinker of a film.Stay away!!!
Posted 02:42 | Sat 14th Apr 2012 -
Andylive
Saw this during the week. What a load of dribble. Yes, we all have different opinions of good and bad movies but it's time Mike Sheridan got a new job!!! This is not the first time he has got it totally wrong. Because this movie is of a 'comical horror' even 'black comedy' to a small degree nature, it can be credited by some to an extent but overall it is absolute s**te to be Frank. Put simple..don't go!!
Posted 18:14 | Sun 29th Apr 2012
Log in to leave a comment
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed here are those of the viewer and do not reflect those of Entertainment.ie. Entertainment.ie accepts no responsibility, legal or otherwise, for their accuracy of content. Please contact us to report abusive content
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
