I went out to grab a burger at Five Guys this weekend, which just so happens to be connected to my local cinema megaplex. I teasingly asked the girls behind the ticket window what their movie pick was and they resoundingly suggested The Cabin In The Woods. I hesitated, because those types of horror flicks have long seemed played out to me. When they assured me that it was hilarious, then named dropped Joss Whedon as the writer, I was sold. I paid my twelve bucks and set off for this film with absolutely no expectations.
What a treat.
It turned out to be a roller coaster ride. Right off the bat, you’re left to question the genre you’re watching. The movie itself alludes to many of the great horror tropes. The ‘bullshit’ moments in this film are pretty blatantly thrown in your face. There’s levels of genius, mixed with levels of weird, met with true comedy and horror. One fairly insignificant scene that evokes all of those well is during a game of truth or dare–specifically a make out scene with the smoking hot Anna Hutchison.
At one point in the flick, I had a horrorgasm. I am not ashamed to admit.
The Cabin In The Woods is part Evil Dead, part Saw, part Funny Games, part… well, it’s an amalgamation of so many things. A favorite actor of mine, Fran Kranz, plays the stoner character in this flick. He’s absolutely great. He’s a lovable turd. We also have Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor in Whedon’s upcoming blockbuster hit The Avengers. His character is the heroic alpha male who isn’t afraid of anything. He is utilized perfectly for some very funny moments too. The movie as a whole is very fun and it works on many different levels.
Required Snacking: Get yourself an Icee. A nice tall, cold and refreshing slush drink will sip good with this film. If you’re lucky, the freezing beverage will slow your blood flow to the brain and cause you to dumb down a bit and just enjoy the ride this movie takes you on. Follow the five youths into the woods for their weekend cabin getaway and recognize that we live in a cold ass world. Watch them suffer for more than just our amusement. Try not to get a brain freeze while the main characters try not to get their brains bashed in.