THE CABIN IN THE WOODS Spoiler Free Review

Release Date: April 13, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Drew Goddard
Film Pulse Score: 8/10

Please note that this review is spoiler free.  We do not discuss any plot details in this review.

It’s very difficult to write a review for a film like The Cabin in the Woods, when discussing the best, and most exciting aspects of the film would ruin it for those who haven’t seen it. Therefore, in order to maintain the integrity of the movie, this review will not be a critique of the plot, but of the other aspects of the film. That being said, go see this movie right now, then come back and read this.

The story of the production of The Cabin in the Woods is filled with almost as many twists and turns as the film itself.  Filmed in 2009, the movie was originally set for a February 2010 release, however it was delayed due to the studio wanting the film to be converted to 3D, despite objections from director Drew Goddard and writer Joss Whedon. Fortunately, this idea was ultimately scrapped, but the movie was indefinitely postponed due to MGM’s financial situation.  Lionsgate decided to pick up the torch and announced they had purchased the film in July of 2011, and after being well received on the festival circuit, it finally got it’s release April 13, 2012.

Normally, when you hear about movies stuck in situations like this, it either means it isn’t very good, or it will never see the light of day.  Fortunately for everyone, neither of these reign true for Cabin in the Woods.  It’s a fantastic blend of genres, and although it would traditionally be categorized as a horror movie, there’s much more to this film than your typical horror faire.  Combining elements of comedy, science fiction, action, and horror, this one’s going to be tough to place on a shelf at your local Blockbuster, that is if your local Blockbuster still exists.

It’s with this mashup of genres, the great story-line, and solid script that make this film something unique, and a much needed breath of fresh air for horror buffs like myself.  Whedon and Goddard’s script is clean and crisp, and provides just enough witty dialogue to give the film an almost light-heated quality, that let’s us know we don’t have to take everything in the film too seriously.  That’s not to say there aren’t a few moments of cheesiness, but with a movie like this, you have to wonder if those few lines were intended to be that way.

If you think you know what’s going on in The Cabin in the Woods before you see it, you’re wrong.  It’s not just a horror movie, it’s every horror movie. Every great horror movie has comedy, and every great horror movie dispels the cliches of the genre. This film does that so well, that by the end, you’re not even sure what you just saw could even be considered horror. Go see The Cabin in the Woods, but don’t read anything about it before hand.  Don’t watch any trailers, or go to the IMDB page and you’ll walk out of the theater surprised, shocked, and wanting more.