Movie Review: The Cabin in the Woods

The Cabin in the Woods
Age Group: rated R
Genre: Horror
Release Date: April 13, 2012
Buy Links:

Amazon

Movie Description:

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.


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When "The Cabin in the Woods" was released in theatres in 2012, I wanted to see it. Badly. The reviews were good, the trailer made everything look promising, and it was written by Joss Whedon (which was obviously the seal on the deal for me). However, with my work schedule and conflicts with my friends' schedules, I wasn't able to watch it while it was still playing in theatres.

Fast forward to October 2013 and my friend and I just got home from doing some Halloween costume shopping and wanted to watch a movie. Guess what's on Netflix, kids! So even if you don't want to go out and buy or rent (yes, you can still rent videos) "The Cabin in the Woods", just log on to your Netflix and take a gander, because it is worth it.

I'm going to try really hard not to spoil anything about this movie for those of you who haven't seen it yet, because it is best to see it without knowing too much about the plot twists and turns. This definitely isn't your average horror movie, and you may be sitting there confused at points, but it's all part of the fun!

The movie focuses mainly on five teenagers, who all fit into the five categories of the stereotypical horror movie cast. You've got the dumb, horny blonde, the alpha-male jock, the cute brainiac, the stoner, and the virginal girl-next-door. These five friends take a trip to a cabin for the weekend, expecting nothing but parties, drinking, and sex, but in true horror movie fashion, things don't go as planned.

While all of the teenage partying is happening, (including a game of ‘Truth or Dare’ that gets the dumb blonde to make out with a stuffed wolf's head...and she seemed to like it), there's another layer to the movie entirely. This is where things get weird; but hang in there. I promise, it WILL be explained... with a few laughs along the way.

If you're looking for a straight up horror or slasher flick, this isn't going to be for you. But if you like a little fun with your genres, then you're in for a good time. Whedon and crew take the horror genre and its components, stereotypes, and tropes and they throw them all at this script – resulting in an at times, laugh out loud, scary movie adventure.

Don't be deceived into thinking that there aren't any horror elements though. There's still blood and gore (and zombies!) to go around. This is a horror movie in its own category, which is a refreshing change of pace. After all, how many psychos with chainsaws can we really stand before going nuts?

If you're looking for something fun to watch with your friends this Halloween, "The Cabin in the Woods" comes highly recommended by me. Grab a drink, a few friends, and make a night of it.