You know how these silly horror movies go: a bunch of stupid kids get together in some cabin in the middle of nowhere, and get killed off one-by-one by some kind of scary threat. It’s become such a standard formula that it’s become clichéd. So here again, we have a film where a bunch of stupid kids venture into…guess where? A cabin in the woods! You just know something scary will happen to them. The key thing that makes this film stand out so much is that this isn’t just a normal cabin in the woods: it’s really an elaborate trap being controlled by outside forces. The kids in this film are not so much zombie-fodder as they are rats in a maze, being herded to their doom by a bunch of guys in an operations center. Reasons for that are gradually unveiled. Just as the characters use the cabin in the woods as a clever ruse for their operations, the film itself uses the cabin-in-the-woods plot mechanic as a way to lure audiences into the standard horror movie setup. Then the film pulls the carpet underneath them.
In spite of this setup, the film starts off looking like a typical horror fare. To break up the monotony of watching these kids go through the motions, the film cuts back and forth between the cabin and the control room, and it intersperses some amusing dialogue throughout. By the second half, however, the film takes some very unexpected twists and turns. The climax is an incredible explosion of bloody mayhem and jaw-dropping surprises. By the film’s end, I swear that it is one heck of a horror film unlike no other.
Because the film takes a standard formula and builds so much around it, I give it a lot of credit for its core concept and its execution. I was left wondering why the film never once bothered to keep the control room scenario a secret; surely, it would have been a heck of a mind-bender if the audience discovered they were being controlled at the end of the film, right? I realize one thing though: done that way, audiences might have given up before reaching such a revelation, because it would have really been just the same old clichéd horror spiel. It’s actually pretty brilliant how the film shows all its cards right off the bat, because it keeps the audience invested for the whole picture. With its incredible climax, it all pays off and it never once feels like its pandering or being pretentious. The characters in this film are never all that deep, but they have some very colorful personalities, and it is easy to relate to most of them. Overall, the story is simultaneously original and awesome. It ought to rank as one of many stories I wish I could have written myself! Seriously, I would have had a blast writing that last half.
The film looks slick and stylish, with good photography and editing. Acting is decent: Chris Hemsworth easily steals the show, given his recent rise in reputation, and he does play a good jock. Credit should also be given to Kristen Connolly and Fran Kranz, and the rest of the cast is not bad either. Writing is pretty witty at times; the overall quality is good. This production has some good looking sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Music is alright.
This film takes the standard horror formula and fills it with enough surprises, humor, and originality to turn something stagnant into an enthralling thrill ride. In fact, you could say this is one of those rare films that takes an ordinary subject and makes it extraordinary. As such, it comes highly recommended!
4.5/5 (Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Good)
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