THE CABIN IN THE WOODS IS A HORROR BLAST

My sincerest apologies for being so behind in my posts. My internet connection was cut short at the same moment that I was struck down by a nasty infection. Imagine being bedridden for five days straight without an internet connection. It was a lonely time. Not really, I did a lot of reading. A review promoting Del Toro's vampire thriller The Strain is on my to-blog list.

Joss Whedon and debut director Drew Goddard

But right before my ailment and my disconnect from the digital and outside worlds, I got the pleasure to go and see the midnight premier of Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard's horror comedy, The Cabin in the Woods, a love-letter of sorts to the classic teen slasher monster horror genre that was popularized in the 80s and the 90s, and has been called a 'game changer' and 'not the last in the genre, but one of the last' most reviewers I've read noting that there is not much left that can top the concept.

However, as Joss Whedon said in an interview, it is a film best enjoyed without foreknowledge, so I shall do my best to avoid spoilers. Unfortunately, a keen eye and the theatrical trailer alone can ruin a few twists along the way, although of my group of like-minded friends I seemed to be the only one to catch it.

The cast is a clever twist on the classic archetypes.

The film stars a fairly fresh cast or recognizable college kids on a vacation at a cabin in the woods. I will admit I did start singing "Cabin in the Woods" from the Evil Dead Musical during the film to the uproarious laughter of my friends.

With the foreknowledge of what the film is trying to do, watching the traditional horror movie elements come into play (ever monitored by the wonderfully cast Richard Jenkins & Bradley Whitford) left me with a giddy sense of glee, almost as much as when the story deviates and blazes its own trail, altering your perceptions on nearly every film of the genre that came before it. 

And Amy Acker!

Otherwise, the cast is a hoot, and for other Whedonites there are plenty of recognizable faces, as always, and none of them seem the slightest bit out of place or forced, as is with certain directors and their favorite actors. Fran Kranz, who worked with Joss on his show Dollhouse, is particularly charming and likable, what with his nerd-conspiracy talk and his collapsible coffee-mug-bong. And since the film's release was delayed by several years, it's strange to think that we are seeing a pre-Thor Chris Hemsworth, who does a fantastic job.

I'm just waiting for the merchandising.

Well, as much as it pains me to grit my teeth and refrain from spoiling any more for you, I must bid thee adieu. The film is a riot and a half, got plenty of good scares, and a fun, rollercoaster of a story. 

 ~ Godzello