Thursday 5 April 2012

The Cabin in the Woods (Drew Goddard, 2012) Review


This is Cabin Fever Worth Catching



If you are in the unfortunate position of having seen the trailer for this little ‘horror’ flick, then you may already know too much.  Erase it from your memory; stop reading this review and book a ticket, safe in the knowledge that this cabin is full of surprises that defy the clichés.  But before you do stop reading, be aware that I will reveal nothing of what is in store if you choose to see this film.


It all starts with the typical set up familiar from a thousand other horror films.  Five college kids head off the grid to find a secluded cabin belonging to a cousin.  It’s the perfect place for a bit of sex, drugs, swimming in a lake and getting picked off one by one in grisly ways.  So far, so Evil Dead, Wrong Turn and Cabin Fever.


But right from the opening scene, there’s something different about this Cabin in the Woods.  Who are the corporate types in the opening scene and where do they come into the plot?  Why is there a man on a roof spying on the college kids as they set off on their adventure?  And how come these kids aren’t quite the usual stereotypes we expect in this kind of film?


To say any more could ruin the experience for readers of this review.  But what can be said is that this film is an often hilarious white-knuckle ride.  Horror fans will rejoice at the old school set up and the vicious violent deaths while all viewers will enjoy the comedy, the surprises round every corner and the clever subverting of genre conventions.


The cast do a good job but it’s the mostly smart ideas and the clever writing that really make this stick out.  Hemsworth can deliver handsome jock while sleepwalking, while Kristen Connelly and Fran Kranz ably tackle virginal sweet girl and stoner shtick respectively.  There might only be the odd surprise in terms of who buys it next and who will make it to the final frames but what will surprise are the regular deviations from the main plot to the sinister activities of the corporate types from the opening scene.


And if you don’t enjoy the brilliant and hilarious bloodbath finale, you’ll need to look long and hard to find something else that can satisfy your horror needs.  The final reveal may lack the surprise hoped for from the rest of the smart set up but it’s a minor complaint when the ride is this much fun.


Verdict:  It’s fast-paced, fresh, frightening and ridiculously funny!  But be warned: be careful what you read/see before you go in.  Blessed is s/he that knows next to nothing about what is in store.

4 out of 5 stars

Released Friday 13th April in the UK.

16 comments:

  1. Really looking forward to this! The hype levels in me have slowly been rising! Can't wait :D Just really happy it's finally getting a release!

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    1. Exactly! It's been a long wait but it's worth it!

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  2. I did hear many good things about this one and as a horror fan I will definetly be watching this as soon as it gets released in theatres where I live. We have real shortage of good thrillers and horrors recently.

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    1. I hope you like it, it thought it was really funny and original!

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  3. I can't wait for this film to come out! Glad to hear a positive review from someone I can trust.

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    1. Thanks man! Hope you liked it as much as I did!

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  4. Hmm, I was thinking this wasn't going to be that great, but I took your advice - stopped reading your review and will catch it when it comes to theaters here!

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    1. Hey it's not quite the game changer that has been suggested but it's bloody fun! I hope you like it!

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  5. Hi Pete! I'm not a fan of horror so I'll skip this. I forgot that Chris Hemsworth is in this, wow so he's got this and that blockbuster Avenger in this, good for him!

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    1. It's a lot of fun Ruth! It's actually almost a parody of horror if that makes it any more appealing?

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  6. I'm glad I haven't seen the trailer yet. Of all the genres that should reveal as little as possible about the story, I would have expected it to be horror.

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    1. Go into it as fresh as possible. There are plenty of surprises in store!

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  7. Pardon me as I skip your review. I am waiting to read anything on it until after I see the film.

    Glad to know that your first sentence tells that you like the film though! I can't wait.

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    1. Yeah wise movie! Hope you like it too. It seems to be pretty popular but I'm sure there will be an inevitable backlash.

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  8. Saw it Friday and loved it! Even without the fresh twists and turns it would have been a great film!

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    1. Yeah but it wouldn't have made me laugh so much!

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