Premiering at SXSW this year (read Graham’s review), I’ve heard only positive comments about The Cabin in the Woods, but nothing specific. Convinced that I wouldn’t see the film, I read a review and even had someone tell me the plot. Usually this would deter me from seeing the film, but I was intrigued and had to experience the film for myself. Oddly enough, I was still thoroughly entertained and will gladly spread the word about this fun, ridiculous and crazy story.
Directed by Drew Goddard (producer/writer on ABC’s Lost) and written by Goddard and Joss Whedon (creator Fox’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Angel) the film is exactly as the tagline says: You think you know the story. When seeing that on the poster, I thought it was in reference to a camp story I was supposed to have heard around the campfire. However, after seeing the film, the tagline makes perfect sense.
Five friends head out of town for a weekend of fun to an old cabin in the woods. They discover the cellar and soon bad things happen. Lots of bad things. Yes, it’s bloody and disgusting, but it’s also unbelievably hilarious in a way that doesn’t feel forced, but completely natural. At first it may seem like it’s a spoof of the horror genre, but it’s more of a re-imagining. The banter at the beginning quickly told me that although on the surface the story seemed to be mapped out, this was going to be different. The good dialogue continued, but with the “government” employees, Sitterson (the fantastic Richard Jenkins) and Hadley (Bradley Whitford) providing most of the entertainment.
The characters are all exaggerated versions of a stereotype, but only one really stood out for me, the stoner, Marty (Fran Kratz). His delivery and voice didn’t match the others and his character seemed the most out of place. I did enjoy Chris Hemsworth (Thor) as the “jock,” Curt. He was actually smart and that ended up working well.
Those going into the film thinking they’re getting a demented bloody horror film will be disappointed, but hopefully ultimately delighted as the story unfolds.
Rating: Fantastically original and fun. 8/10
SPOILER The film mocks reality television by pointing out the desensitizing of the employees to those being sacrificed. The controllers, Sitterson and Hadley guide the chosen on a path and nudge them in the direction they want them to go, but ultimately the chosen decide their own fate. Sound familiar? This is an extreme example of the reality television of today. It’s “real,” but there is clearly an agenda to follow to get the best ratings. Sitterson and Hadley also try to appease the gods and give them the stuff they want, like blood, guts and, well, boobs. And what happens in the end? We all die and civilization as we know it is destroyed. Hmmmm. END SPOILER
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