The Cabin in the Woods - REVIEW

PLOT: Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods.

Directed by Drew Goddard, this film completely rips the horror genre piece by piece. Both Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon wrote this film as they change the horror atmosphere. The film itself combines both horror and comedic elements, and it works perfectly for the film's scenario and purpose.

Story - Many people will think Cabin in the Woods is simply another generic horror movie with its generic plot and predictable story. Once again, Goddard and Whedon completely change the story as the film opens to dialogue that can only be written by Whedon and Goddard, and many Whedon fans will recognize his writing in the beginning. The film's writing itself rips on MANY horror clichés and makes fun of it, which is the highlight of the film. It also creates an unexpected turn for horror fans as the film's twist shapes the film as an original horror film, which is rare. Whedon and Goddard provide a great story that's well-written and gives fellow horror fans a few laughs.


Acting - The acting itself is great as it serves its purpose for the story. The five main characters and their roles also rip every horror movies' characters. You have: The Stoner (the one who's usually on drugs), the Whore (the girl who usually dies first and usually has sex the most in horror films), the Athlete (the "strong" and "brave one" of the group), the Scholar (the smart one in the group), and the Virgin (the main heroine and virgin of the group). Each actor serves their roles and purpose well. The lab officials as well did a great job in their roles as antagonists.


THE VERDICT: With its clever and well-executed writing, Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard create a fresh, new horror film that rips on other horror films. The acting serves its purposes with its clichés as the third act of the film is total chaos. Horror films nowadays are running out ideas as horror films show the same predictable plot and premise. With Whedon's writing and Goddard's credit as directing, it's good to see The Cabin in the Woods deliver a fresh, new, and original take on the horror franchise. I can't wait to experience the live experience in the haunted house based on the film at Halloween Horror Nights 23.

          

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS - 10/10
Film Released: April 13, 2012
Directed by Drew Goddard

Written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard

Starring: Kristen Connolly
Chris Hemsworth
Anna Hutchison
Fran Kranz
Jesse Williams
Richard Jenkins
Bradley Whitford