The Cabin in the Woods

After the "parody" movies of the 2000s comes The Cabin in the Woods, a lesson in how to poke fun at a genre while still telling a compelling story. It incorporates all the clichés of the horror genre but in a clever way that all ties together. Even when you think you know what's going to happen, the film goes off the rails and goes into completely new territory.

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.

Favorite Films: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054200841/

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/

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.

Originality built off the foundation of every cliche in the book... mad you didn't think of it first? Haha This had a really solid and original concept that was truly the star of the show in this film. Supported by solid execution in pacing, acting and the balance between horror, comedy and adventure. It kept the intrigue and engagement up throughout. It felt nostalgic yet new, fresh and exciting. It was a well rounded, throughly planned/ thought out, entertaining film.

Im not sure it was QUITE as funny or clever as it felt like it thought it was. The only comedy that landed was due to the acting ability of the stoner. He kind of saved the comedic aspect of this film. And even then some of it was hokey. Great casting all around though, solid actors.

Also I think the grand scheme of the plot could have used some more interesting elaboration. I wish we could have gotten a little bit more background on the rituals and how/why they were doing them. They gave us just enough to be passable, but I would have liked more.

I would love to see a sequel to this made today, over ten years later. It would be interesting to see how they could expand upon this concept (and not make it trash, as so many tend to be). While not perfect, this movie really checked all the boxes for me. 7.5 rounding up to an 8, would recommend for a fun time.

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!