The Cabin in the Woods

I watched this movie for the first time like 10 years ago, and I had to watch it again now. This movie is a combination of genres, and it does a really good job of tying them all together. Horror, thriller, mystery, comedy and parody. The movie shows several horror clichés that have been seen countless times and the characters do the opposite of these clichés, with humor, which was great to see.

The Cabin in the Woods is about five stereotypical horror movie characters that are going to spend some time in a cabin in the woods. But there is so much more to this cabin than you know. As the movie tells you: "If you think you know this story. THINK AGAIN." and that is so true, especially the ending. This movie has one of the most epic and unexpected endings I have ever seen. I was so entertained by this movie, and I strongly recommend it. If you have not seen it, see it, because it's awesome. If you have seen it, see it again, because it's still awesome!

The Cabin in the Woods (2011) follows a group of friends who go on vacation to a cabin and find themselves getting more than they bargained for. Overall, this is a fun and interesting horror. It's definitely a love letter to fans of all things horror, including fun little references to other films.

The cinematography is very lacklustre and I definitely expected more in terms of colour palettes and camerawork. The lighting is fairly poor at times too, and it's hard to see what's going on. However, there are a few shot transitions that I really liked.

The sound design is also quite basic, and it doesn't really help to set up an effective atmosphere. However, I did like the score. It isn't entirely original, but it's a lot of fun and very attention grabbing. Also, there are some super funny music cues throughout.

We get a good feel for the characters, and although they follow very basic tropes, this just adds to the 80s inspired charm of the film. There are some hilarious lines, paired well with distinctive and goofy performances. I particularly like Fran Kranz as Marty and Bradley Whitford as Hadley.

The film is unique from the start, and a fun and easy watch all throughout. It doesn't drag and feels a lot shorter than it is. It does get a little confusing at times but I feel it's explained well and in an easy-to-digest manner.

What fun. This is a horror comedy with every monster known to man and then some. It's funny, smart and you can't predict this one. Sigourney Weaver shines as usual. A bunch of young cutes go to a cabin in the woods to be young and cute together. Unknown to them this cabin is infested.

If you are a fan of art drama or you simply don't like the horror genre, I can understand if you hated this. But for every true fan of horror, with at least a basic knowledge of at least cult horrors through the history of the genre, this should be a real joy. "The Cabin in the Woods" is a weird movie that can not be precisely genre determined. It gathers horror ideas seen countless times and turns them upside-down. Nothing in this movie is new, but the greatest thing about it is its ability to make something very original using totally outworn horror cliches. This is a parody and homage at the same time. It is a funny-scary movie with great visuals and even better dialogues and one-liners, and its pace and twists (even the predictable ones) will not let you get bored even for a minute. And the final revelation is at the same time one of the most ridiculous and one of the most awesome things I have ever seen on the big screen. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a real gem and I loved it.

8/10

I just can't get enough of this film. This year alone I have already watched it 4 times (and the year isn't even done yet). It works on so many levels and is so much fun; the way the conventions of the 'Horror' genre are turned upside down, while at the same time the story transcends the mere spoof and satire and becomes something new, entirely original – just: Wow!

It's clear this film was a labour of love; every tiny little detail was cared for and the writing is just phenomenal. The dialogues between the 'office clerks' alone are beyond priceless and offer such great, apparently effortless performances by Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford (two absolutely fantastic character actors, by the way) – this movie has simply everything. And the last 20 minutes offer the biggest payoff I have ever seen in a film. A rare treat and a true pleasure for film geeks like me. Thank you Joss and Drew! 10 stars out of 10.

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Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/

Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/

Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/