I have to warn you: today’s review is going to be slightly different than the ones you’re used to. First of all, it’s not written by our resident movie junkie but by the “I like metalcore” guy, which means that it’s going to be a rather recent flick. Secondly, it will be rather short in order to avoid spoiling anything about the movie. And last but not least it’s most likely going to be a one time thing, so enjoy this unique opportunity…haha.
The movie I decided to review is Joss Whedon’s The Cabin In The Woods, which was released in cinemas, where I saw it, in April 2012. The release date itself is worth talking about since the film was shot in 2009 but didn’t get any movie theater exposure until 3 years later. This was due to the fact that the studio wanted to convert it into 3D, which, thankfully, never happened. One thing I want to clarify before I start: since the movie is not going to be released on home media until late September I will only talk about plot points that are revealed either in the trailer or in the first five minutes of the movie, so don’t worry about spoilers.
The main cast is comprised of mostly newcomers to the big screen except Chris Hemsworth, who should be known to most people as Thor by now. Interestingly enough this actually was his debut but due to the delayed release he was first seen in Thor. The group of five teenagers decides to go into a cabin located near a lake in order to party and have a good time. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? If now I tell you that only one typical new-age horror cliché is fulfilled, you might not believe it, but it’s true; except the obligatory stoner in the clique, the other four are well-educated people.
One could assume that this fact might turn this movie into a boring ninety-five minute fiasco but everyone who is familiar with Whedon’s TV shows, like Buffy – The Vampire Slayer or Angel, knows that usually nothing is what it seems. The same is the case in this motion picture, since just before the group is arriving at the cabin the viewer can see a hawk fly into some kind of force field…ominous foreshadowing. A bit further into the movie the group is, of course, attacked by something which I will not disclose and the movie goes its way but, again without wanting to reveal anything, with a twist.
The Cabin In The Woods was praised as one of the best horror movies in the past decade by many critics and I can wholeheartedly agree. But then again I’m no horror buff…I do however know a good movie when I see one and this definitely falls into that category. And one more thing I can safely say is that if you liked the two series mentioned above, you will absolutely adore this movie. I strongly recommend that you check it out once it’s out on DVD and BluRay.
All screenshots were taken from the official trailer.
