The Cabin in the Woods

The first time I heard mention of this movie, I shook my head and pretty much vowed I wouldn't be seeing it.  I try to be open to movies, but I really dislike horror films.  It seems that the majority of horror films today rely on jump out scares to elicit a reaction from the audience.  While jump out scares may have a place in horror movies, they shouldn't be used extensively.  There are other ways to build tension.

I had written off The Cabin in the Woods as a film not for me, until I saw a preview a couple of weeks ago.  I had seen posters and what-not, but that preview grabbed my attention.  It promised me more than a stock horror film.  With Joss Whedon in the mix and great reviews by critics, I decided I was ready to give the movie a shot.

One of the big things I kept hearing about was a twist.  I don't know if that's the right word, but I know there was a pretty big focus on not having the ending spoiled.  Generally, this is common sense.  You should never ruin a film's ending, but for some reason, that was a big deal with The Cabin in the Woods.  I just googled it, as I got to thinking about it.  It turns out a reviewer ruined the ending in the first line of his review.  Let me assure you I will not be doing that.  I'll wait until line 42.  It's funnier that way.  Just kidding; I won't ruin it.

My goal is to not reveal any additional information regarding the film's plot.  Actually, I'm not even going to tell you what the movie is about.  If you want to know that, you can watch the trailers.  What I am going to tell you is what the movie does right and my reactions.

• 1.  Jump out scares are for hacks.
• As I said before, the occasional jump out scare when used appropriately is acceptable.  Drew Goddard, the director, understands this idea.  I counted three jump out scares in the film, and I'm okay with that.  
• 2.  It's all laid out for you.
• If you're watching the film and paying attention, it's all right there for you.  This doesn't mean the film can't be ruined.  This doesn't mean the film is a stock horror piece.  You can be a couple moves ahead of the rest of the audience if you're attentive.
• 3.  They'll explain it; don't worry.
• If you don't want to think during the film, no problem.  While clues are littered throughout to help you see the big picture, you don't have to put them together.  The movie will take care of that for you.  The best part?  No one will feel talked down to; the movie isn't dumbing it down for anyone.
• 4.  Torture porn is for people with severe mental problems.
• Good news, the people behind this movie are not those people.

Back in January, I reviewed Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, and I loved it.  I love when filmmakers acknowledge typical cliches in film and find their own way to handle them.  Both Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon are well versed in horror movies, and it shows.  

I suppose I should cover some stock review topics, such as the writing and the performances.  The actors and the script are good enough that I wasn't rooting for anyone to bite it, which is unusual.  In most instances, there are characters so poorly written that you can't wait for them to get what's coming to them.  I never felt that way while watching The Cabin in the Woods; I actually wanted everyone to live.  That's saying a lot for a horror film.

Movies from this particular genre often have special effects ranging from amazing to amazingly bad.  The Cabin in the Woods has some questionable effects, but for all I know, it was an intentional choice.  Overall, the make-up and effects are quite good.  

Of course, the only way to know any of this for sure is to go see the movie, which I strongly suggest you do.  It is rated R, so you should be sufficiently prepared.  Don't take your 8 year old.  I don't think I can stress how much I dislike most horror movies, but I loved The Cabin in the Woods.  Mark is calling it one of the best movies he's seen...ever.  There is so much awesome packed into an hour and a half that you must experience it.  

What concerns me is that audiences are not responding well to the film. Critics love it, but audiences are giving it around a "C" rating.  Now, I don't just accept the word of the critics as gospel, but they're right in this case.  I can't write about some of my favorite parts of the movie without ruining it, so it makes it hard to offer further evidence that this movie is worth your time.  All I can do is encourage you to see it with as little information beforehand as possible.  Don't go read spoilers and absolutely avoid reviews.  If you're reading this one, that's okay...just don't read any other reviews. 

TL;DR Go see The Cabin in the Woods, and watch out for that title card.  It's a doozy.