Cabin in the Woods: Spoiler-Free Review Thread

[PsYkOoOoO]

Originally Posted by Fanible

The scene in the cellar was pretty cool to see again now that you know the ending with all the other creatures you see.

What do you think the filmstrip summons?

[saveus1011]

This is not a game-changer.

That said, this is a nice little horror film that loses itself in its own brilliance. Appreciate the nods at the end, and I get it, but it feels like a little "studio influence" might've helped.

I also feel if I'd seen this before the hype, I'd like it more than I do. It's definitely not bad, and probably my favorite horror film of the past few years, but this isn't the next coming of Christ for the genre.

8/10

[Alien]

I wrote a blog. It isn't a great blog entry but still... http://seraphs-silly-stories.blogspo...-in-woods.html

Basically I liked the movie but it felt like a bigger version of an Angel episode.

[PsYkOoOoO]

This isn't a game changer. Rather, it is the movie to highlight the state of horror movies now, and possibly usher in the real game changer in the coming months or years. It doesn't really change anything, but it's saying, "Look, guys, things kinda suck right now, let's change it up a bit. I don't know if I can make the difference but, maybe somebody else can". That's how I see it anyway.

[IAmARevenant]

I wouldn't mind calling it a "game-changer", mostly because it calls for the game to be changed

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by PsYkOoOoO

What do you think the filmstrip summons?

I was wondering that myself.

[saveus1011]

Originally Posted by PsYkOoOoO

This isn't a game changer. Rather, it is the movie to highlight the state of horror movies now, and possibly usher in the real game changer in the coming months or years. It doesn't really change anything, but it's saying, "Look, guys, things kinda suck right now, let's change it up a bit. I don't know if I can make the difference but, maybe somebody else can". That's how I see it anyway.

This.

It's the first horror movie in a while I'd see twice in a theater.

[Alien]

Originally Posted by Daniel

I was wondering that myself.

A phone call that'll kill you in 7 days?

[Wyldstaar]

Originally Posted by Alien

A phone call that'll kill you in 7 days?

Isn't that what happened in Kyoto?

[Alien]

Originally Posted by Wyldstaar

Isn't that what happened in Kyoto?

That looks more like The Grudge (not that they look too different really)

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by saveus1011

This.

It's the first horror movie in a while I'd see twice in a theater.

I saw it twice and enjoyed it thoroughly both times, maybe even more the second since I was able to see things (especially some of the monsters in the glass cubes) I didn't the first time around.

[iluvdvds123]

I managed to see this last night at the local cinema and absolutly freakin' loved it! Easily one of the most original horror films in YEARS - it's incredibly entertaining and will keep you on your toes throughout. Definetly a one to see if you haven't - I can't recommend it highly enough. 10/10!

[Tony Montana]

The responce to the girls in Kyoto was priceless!! That being said, the movie rocks, and there are more layers to it.

[Justin]

For some reason I never posted my review, so here you go.

----------

Slasher films, almost inevitably these days, run off the same tired formula. It’s to the point of being their very nature. But occasionally, we’ll run into something smart and well-made, but it’s become so sporadic and inconsistent that I’m surprised that the horror fanbase hasn’t rebelled or caused mass anarchy—justifiably so, mind you. Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard take their mayhem to the screen and make The Cabin in the Woods crazy, entertaining and smart. It feels a lot like the complaints and gripes of every fan of the genre (and cinema, in general) is being funneled through their pens and onto paper. Instead of being a tirade, however, it’s an extremely clever and thoughtful deconstruction of the entire genre—which isn’t just limited to slasher flicks, mind you. They’ve also somehow included Cthulhu mythos and an aspect of science-fiction. Whedon and Goddard not only bring us a refreshing take on the horror genre, but raise interesting questions as to whether or not a character in a horror film can maintain a sense of individualism and be capable of making their own choices and still be a part of the genre. Not only is this a meta-film, but a funny one, at that, making it that much more endearing. It’s a must-see for horror fans.

In The Cabin in the Woods, Whedon and Goddard are working within a framework. It’s clear from the start. With that said, it’s a genuine opportunity for breaking from the stereotypes and cliches while still making fun of them. We have the mandatory five friends (who all possess the stereotypes: the jock, the pothead, the ‘slut’, the heartbroken virgin, and the nice guy intellectual) who decide to take a trip out to a cabin and spend a weekend there. We’ve seen it all before. Where the film shines the most are the moments where we’re slightly unsure of what’s going on, or where this film is going—yet, we sort of have an idea. It may seem contradictory, and it is, but the uncertainty and certainty are both there. Like I mentioned before, this is a meta-film—our characters are burdened with choice with no knowledge of their future or even that they’re being handed an opportunity to change their destiny. Without sounding like a philosophical essay, it’s an engaging, yet unusual scenario.

It may seem near impossible to keep a film like this engaging and moving quickly, but Whedon and Goddard do so wonderfully. Goddard has done a surprising job of bringing the comically best out of their characters: Kristen Connolly plays the naive virgin; Chris Hemsworth the belligerent jock; Anna Hutchison the ‘slut’; Fran Kranz the pothead. They all manage to make their stereotypes hilarious. Fran Kranz (who worked with Whedon on Dollhouse), in particular, does a good job of overacting when necessary and even bringing out a sense of humanity towards the third act of the film. The script is, as always, taut and well-thought through. Whedon has always been a master of creating your three act structure scripts but somehow keeps a sense of surprise to his work. Strangely enough, he includes an element of science-fiction that harkens back to old horror. It’s a bizarre concept, but one that works exceedingly well. Drew Goddard, of course, can not be understated—his directorial hand is precise and thorough.

We as the audience demand certain traits of our horror, yet we still see the same slasher films over and over, despite our endless complaints. It’s a weird scenario, yet an accurate one that The Cabin in the Woods comments on. The Ancient Ones, in the film, could quite possibly represent our desire to see the virgin sacrifice, to see the jock get his comeuppance, or to see the necessary amount of blood and gore. Perhaps the film represents even more than a commentary on the stereotypes and cliches of the horror genre, but the human desire of seeing what we think those we disapprove of deserve. It’s an endless cycle of what-ifs. Those looking for a few scares will likely get them, as well as a few viciously violent scenes that seem far worse than what we’re used to—they seem more real, more disturbing. It’s a weird movie, suffice it to say, that feels more complicated in retrospect. Everyone here has done some great work and it pays off very, very well. The Cabin in the Woods should be seen and hopefully, you’ll find as much there as I did.

****.5/*****

[KUacuraChick]

This is finally coming out on blu ray. Amazon lists the price at $33 for the blu ray + digital copy. Is that a typo? None of the special features listed seem worthy of that price tag. I'll probably wait to see if the price goes down before I buy this. I really enjoyed the film and would LOVE to hear the director commentary on it.

[Mikey-Bizzle]

Finally watched this thought it was alright pretty different to usual horror movies but not as ground breaking as some people are making it out to be but was decent for a horror movie. The end bit is what really made the movie for me

7/10

[IanTheCool]

Originally Posted by Wyldstaar

Turning this film into a franchise would completely undermine the message they were going for. Cabin is about more than just horror movies. It's about the entire Hollywood Formula movie machine. The Elder gods represent the movie going audience, who mindlessly demand terrible and unoriginal movies. The more vacuous the characters are and generic the plot, the higher the box office soars. The Puppeteers represent the movie studios, who crank out the same formulaic drivel year after year, chock full of archetype characters, questionable decisions, inexplicable behavior from the main characters and completely predictable outcomes. The end of the world is meant to represent a call for an end to the schlock of the Hollywood Formula movies, and a beginning for fresh new ideas, no matter the consequences. Take a chance on something new and see what happens!

Awesome analysis.

[Dhamon22]

I thought this was a little overrated but it was still very solid. I think all the hype about the big twist hurt my viewing, maybe I'll give it another shot sometime.

8/10

[IanTheCool]

I like to review movies. I like to critique them after I see them. but it sort of feels like Joss Whedon and crew looked at me and said "So you like to review movies huh? Yeah? Well good luck with this one!"

Cabin in the Woods really is a tough film to review. It racked my mind, and afterwards I was left not really sure what to make of it. After much mulling, this is where I believe I was left. On a pure entertainment level, I enjoyed it but didn't find it completely satisfying. However, on an appreciation level, I have to admire what this film set out to do and how well it accomplished this goal.

To sum it up, this movie is basically one big metaphor. Its not really a horror film, its an analogy for how horror films are made in a way that Scream can only have dreamed of doing. And as such, it really is great. It brilliantly encompasses the character archetypes, their irrational decisions, and the insatiable hunger of the mainstream audience for the same old crap. In this sense it is a very solid construction.

As straight-up entertainment however,its hit and miss. The "horror" sequences where the young adults visit the titular cabin are juxtaposed with some laboratory scenes which star Bradley Whitford (from my favourite TV series The West Wing) and Richard Jenkins. These scenes are downright hilarious and a great sense of fun.

The cabin stuff on the other hand is sort of a victim of the movie's own goals. For one, the characters are hard to latch onto, since they are so stereotypical. However, they're supposed to be stereotypical, but its still tough to reconcile. As well, once the "big bad" turns out to be zombies, I groaned since there really is nothing more unoriginal than zombies in horror films. But again, that's the point. Its speaking to mainstream audience's inexplicable desire for more things zombie, no matter how bland and overdone they are.

I'm not going to declare this one of the best films of the year. I can't, since I just never completely went for the ride. But I certainly won't be admonishing anyone else for declaring one of the best, since I did find it to be a very interesting meta-study of both the horror genre and the film industry in general.
8/10

[Wyldstaar]

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

As well, once the "big bad" turns out to be zombies, I groaned since there really is nothing more unoriginal than zombies in horror films.

The Big Bad isn't zombies It's actually a zombie redneck torture family. They're two completely different things, like the difference between an elephant and an elephant seal.

[Justin]

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

The cabin stuff on the other hand is sort of a victim of the movie's own goals. For one, the characters are hard to latch onto, since they are so stereotypical. However, they're supposed to be stereotypical, but its still tough to reconcile.

I'm not so sure about this. Did you notice that the characters did not start as stereotypes? That's where I think it worked for the characters, who are essentially pawns in some great scheme. It's more of a tragic case of fate, more than anything.

The Cabin in the Woods, I feel, is best viewed on various terms. If you look at it as just a metaphor, or as a horror movie, or anything by itself, you're inevitably going to come out disappointed. Whedon's best trait here is combining a number of things together and still managing to defy your expectations.

Not saying you're wrong, Ian, just that I think there's a dozen different layers to the film and I think it deserves a lot of attention. Your write up was good though, and I agree with a majority of it.

[IanTheCool]

Originally Posted by Wyldstaar

The Big Bad isn't zombies It's actually a zombie redneck torture family. They're two completely different things, like the difference between an elephant and an elephant seal.

Originally Posted by Justin

I'm not so sure about this. Did you notice that the characters did not start as stereotypes? That's where I think it worked for the characters, who are essentially pawns in some great scheme. It's more of a tragic case of fate, more than anything.

The Cabin in the Woods, I feel, is best viewed on various terms. If you look at it as just a metaphor, or as a horror movie, or anything by itself, you're inevitably going to come out disappointed. Whedon's best trait here is combining a number of things together and still managing to defy your expectations.

Not saying you're wrong, Ian, just that I think there's a dozen different layers to the film and I think it deserves a lot of attention. Your write up was good though, and I agree with a majority of it.

Yeah, I know what you're saying. But to be honest, I didn't go into this movie looking at it at anything. I really had no idea what I was in for.

And yeah, the characters didn't start as types. That's why I said it was brilliant the way that they incorporated that idea into the movie, with the manipulation of the 5 of them. But it did still end up as a slight detriment to the viewing experience. For me, at least.

[Wyldstaar]

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

And yeah, the characters didn't start as types. That's why I said it was brilliant the way that they incorporated that idea into the movie, with the manipulation of the 5 of them. But it did still end up as a slight detriment to the viewing experience. For me, at least.

Unfortunately, due to the requirements of modern movie pacing there really wasn't enough time to more firmly establish the Five (well, Four seeing as how Marty didn't really change a bit) as being genuine people before the manipulation of the Puppeteers began. Joss and Drew did the best they could with the time the characters had at Dana's house, but after that the characters quickly fell in line with their assigned tropes. To do otherwise would have slowed the pacing too much.

The scene was adequate for anyone who was paying serious attention to what was going on, but that's not what the average moviegoer does. Most don't go in trying to look for basic character traits, but instead just let the movie wash over them. For most films that exactly what you should do. You can do that with Cabin too, of course. You're just not going to get as much out of it if you aren't looking for stuff like that.

[shained]

From the CS film club thread.

Originally Posted by shained

Be warned, major spoilers ahead. Please don't read this if you have Any plan too watch this film in the future.


The Cabin in the Woods

Ok where too begin!?

When Cabin came out I was quite interested in seeing it mainly due to the attachment of Whedon too the project. However I couldn't get anyone interested in seeing it and it kind of passed me by.

Fast forward too about 2 weeks ago and I had the pleasure of someone ranting about how it was the worst film ever and talking about these gods that lived under the earth and so on. Now this displeased me as I love going into films knowing next too nothing about them and having no preconceptions whatsoever.

The film itself.

Anyone reading this should have seen the film so i'll skip the plot rehash. I did like how it tried to play the characters out at the beginning, i.e showing how smart Hemsworths character was but I felt it could have done with a bit more of this as that and that the other guy was a American football player was the only real glimpse it gave you as to who these characters really were.

A major issue I had with Cabin was that even though it doesn't want too be placed into a genre hole it's components don't stand up too well. By that I mean there are funny moments, the cursing of the Japanese school girls and the speaker phone scene, none are "that" funny. It's not scary in the slightest either. This film is definitely a case of the whole is better than the sum of its parts but I felt that these parts could and should have been better.

The final 3rd is the best part of the film but is quite rushed and the sheer amount of creatures and what's going on sort of detracts as you can only appreciate something for a split second before the film rushes on. Although when the Merman kills the overseer type person near the end I really dd have too roll my eyes. Also where did Sigourney Weavers character appear from!?

I appreciate what Cabin was going for and I did have fun watching it but I just felt that it could have been so much more.

7/10

P.S

I dont know why but the bluray I received had no special features whatsoever was highly disappointed with this.