The Cabin In The Woods Review

9th Apr 2012

Five young stereo types head out to the titular location to party it up and well… Yes any horror fan knows if a select group of beautiful youths (each pretty much representing a member of The Breakfast Club) head off to a remote isolated location that eventually something is going to come after their flesh.

But something is not quite the same here. Anyone that has seen the spoilerific trailer will have a rough idea that things are not quite as they should seem for such a film. Luckily the film gives this hand away right off the bat before, during and after the group head to the cabin. We are introduced to two characters (played brilliantly by Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford) who are watching what is going on. To say anymore would spoil the fun; but rest assured you are given this info at the start of the film. A few other tid-bits of information slip through on the journey there in a growing reveal of narrative twists. As the film sets up you can see clear indications that the film-makers are great fans of The Evil Dead and Cube and want to take the entertainment to the next level.

Once the film really pushes the gears it is almost relentless in its laughter. Is it scary? Of course not! But this film was designed to be fun and more importantly – funny.

The group of youths all play into their stereotypes well enough and are given enough time on screen to develop somewhat before bad things start to happen. Sure, the “Stoner” may be the joke maker (as well as bizarrely the one who seems to have his head screwed on when it comes to sussing out trouble) – but the majority of the laughs go to Richard Jenkins, and particularly Bradley Whitford who are pulling the strings. Whitford made a huge impression on TV in The West Wing for the entirety of its run and then all but abruptly dropped off the map. It’s good then to see him in fine form doing what he does best with a clever and witty script.

The third act of the film is one to relish, although it does rely on a little bit too much CGI (which if anything helps tone down what is onscreen). It also has an element there that might make the common cinemagoer be reminded of a certain sci-fi comedy that was out about the same time last year.

It is difficult then to judge whether TCITW will go on to become a cult classic, or just remain a highly entertaining horror romp. Time will not be kind to some of the effects, and they do borrow from perhaps too many places for it to steal any crowns. Either way though it does remain a clever commentary on the genre as well as a rocking great night out at the cinema. Easilly one of the most entertaining films of the year so far.