The Cabin in the Woods: Review By The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

Oct 29th, 2012 by The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected
Good work, zombie hand.
  • OVERALL
    4.5
    SUPERB
  • Story
  • Acting
  • Directing
  • Visuals
When I saw the trailers for this movie. I thought I'd catch it on DVD, and expected it to be an average "mainstream" horror film. I'd spend that admission ticket on the DVD of an independent horror film. But a close buddy of mine told me it was amazing, and he saw it two times opening weekend. Being shocked, I thought I would take his advice and see this movie, that I soon found out was receiving enormous hype... Which I did not at all expect from the trailers I kept watching.

But, I ended up seeing it one day after school, and I must say I was... Surprised nonetheless. From frame one, you can tell this is not your typical horror flick. It is like the movie, Scream, in my opinion. Right when the horror genre is getting dull, and average, here comes a movie to freshen things up a bit, and play on how formulaic the horror genre is.

The story is about some kids going to a cabin in the woods... But I honestly cannot say too much more. But people are watching them, and effecting what will happen to them next. Sound interesting? Well that's only the half of it. The last 25 minutes or so include some of the truly best horror moments in recent history. While the ending can be cheesy to some, and "WTF that's stupid" to others, just remember that basically the movie is making fun of itself by that time.

Chris Hemsworth, who is now known as Thor, acted in this movie pre-Thor fame, because for some odd reason (which I'd like to know more about) the movie was filmed a few years ago (I think) and just released a few months ago. But he, along with the rest of the cast is perfect as the stereotypical teenage group. You have the semi-attractive, but mostly just fake slut. The cute virgin, the stoner, the nice guy, and the jock. All actors are well cast, and accomplish the roles well, in a believable way.

The director is Drew Goddard. This is so far his only director job, but he has written several films that you've probably seen (like Cloverfield). He does a great job, especially for a first time director. I liked all the camera work, and the way the film flowed. It was either Goddard, or one of the producers who mentioned that they had made "the last horror movie." Now whatever the hell that even means, I have to say in response to that to: take your head out of your ass. Because while this movie is great, it is not even the best horror film I've ever seen, and since this movie we've had several great horror films. Such as Sinister, and some other independent work too. And I'm sure there are many, many more to come.

Overall, I must say this movie is a must see. It has extreme hype, and usually I like to be the one to say "it does not live up to the hype" and maybe it doesn't if you're not a huge horror fan like I am. But I do know if you are a huge horror film buff, then this is one to see, and add to your collection.

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Comments (14)

  1. Red Camera Man

    @crypt: The whole film wasn't TOO bad though (I gave it a 3 overall); there were some parts I actually liked, especially that one part when (SPOILER ALERT) the main chick and the stoner released all the evil demons/creatures and unleashed hell on the soldiers. That scene was HOLY SH*T! But when Sigourney Weaver's character came in was when the movie went COMPLETELY downhill from there for me.

    3 months agoby @redcameramanFlag

  2. The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

    @redcameraman haha didn't think you would but hey, its good you gave it a try!

    4 months agoby @cryptFlag

  3. Red Camera Man

    @crypt: I saw this movie finally. It was on TV for free last night so I gave it a watch. Yep, this movie was overrated; I had an open mind and was expecting more, and I did NOT like the ending either. Sorry to say. :-(

    4 months agoby @redcameramanFlag

  4. The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

    SPOILERS down below, as a heads up to whomever in the future may read these comments.

    7 months agoby @cryptFlag

  5. The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

    @huntsman I can see where you may think it goes downhill, because it starts to get weird, and almost seemingly random, but then again that was the point. To start out average hence the tagline "you think you know the story". As for the stoner, I think he started off as an annoying character. Then when they make you think he dies, and he comes back, I felt he was more likable then. Which was also a weird character change.

    As for the Cube series, it is most definitely an underrated independent series of films. All are pretty good, and I've actually had the sudden urge to re-watch that series.

    7 months agoby @cryptFlag

  6. The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

    @redcameraman Yeah, it's a much talked about film, one you probably should see just to say you have seen it. Weather you end up liking it or not is totally up to your state of mind, overall movie taste, and if you can keep an open mind as well. haha

    7 months agoby @cryptFlag

  7. Huntsman

    @crypt: Good review, but average film. In the beginning it reminded me a lot about the Cube series which I thought was a good series of films especially the last one, but as the Cabin in the Woods drew on in time it got worse. I would have preferred it if they cut out the stuff about gods. Then there is the part about the girl not killing the stonner. I mean come on who wouldn't have killed the guy. I know I would have. I could go on about the last quarter of the film, but that would take up to much space. It started out could and I had hope that it would be a great film, but ended up only being a 3 star film. Of course this is just my opinion.

    7 months agoby @huntsmanFlag

  8. Red Camera Man

    @crypt: I can picture that a little, but I'll still rent it someday if I have nothing else to do. I'll give this movie a watch just to see what all of the hype is about really.

    7 months agoby @redcameramanFlag

  9. The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

    @redcameraman It is at the same cabin as Evil Dead! I'm not sure if you'd like it though, honestly. May not be your thing.

    7 months agoby @cryptFlag

  10. Red Camera Man

    @crypt: I'll have to give this movie a shot. I hope I like it, but yeah, it did look cheesy from the trailer. It looked like another "Evil Dead" movie, if you know what I mean.

    7 months agoby @redcameramanFlag

  11. The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

    @skywise Definitely. One of the best cinematic shots ever, in my opinion.

    7 months agoby @cryptFlag

  12. skywise

    @crypt Yes, the all out.....

    SPOILERS

    ...bloodbath at the end and the final shot were quite surprising.

    7 months agoby @skywiseFlag

  13. The Cryptkeeper: Resurrected

    @skywise Loved all the refrences for sure. And while it was obvious that people were watching them, I was still surprised by the ending.

    7 months agoby @cryptFlag

  14. skywise

    I loved this movie even though it was fairly clear from the previews what was happening. Despite that I was rather fond of that WTF ending and all the little references it had of other great classic horror ideas and characters.

    7 months agoby @skywiseFlag