Non-Spoilery

I’m not a fan of the horror genre. So when I say that Cabin in the Woods (2012) is a great movie, I don’t mean that it’s great, for a horror movie. I mean that it’s a genuinely an excellent movie.

Cabin is very upfront with the viewer about what it is. The very first frame of the opening credits tells you exactly what you’re there to watch, and then it’s humorously quirky characters and unusual plot take care of the rest.

My favorite thing about Cabin is that it really sticks it to the horror genre for its predictability and sameness.

Cabin in the Woods is smart, unusual, fast-paced, and very self-aware, but not in an obnoxious way. It’s also thrilling but not terrifying. Go see it.

Spoilery

Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon did something special here. The details in this film are just killer.

Making a distinction between “Zombies” & “Zombie Redneck Torture Family,” or “Witches” & “Sexy Witches” was not a necessary detail, but the kind of thing that sets this film apart from lots of other horror movies. Plus, a homicidal unicorn that actually makes sense within the story!?

I also love the ending. Everyone gets punished for their transgressions. As I watched our two heroes sit on the steps in the last scenes I realized as they did that this was the only way to end the story. It was strangely refreshing to watch the world end, because someone always seems to save it; even when it doesn’t make sense.

(Image via Bleeding Cool)

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