The Woods

The initial above-average horror atmosphere is unfortunately diluted towards the end by incredibly stupid screenwriting shenanigans that try to retroactively explain everything that has already been said or the viewer could have guessed. Moreover, at certain points, some of the questions could have remained unanswered. Director McKee is clearly not a progressive experimenter, given that his formal methods are time-tested but surprisingly functional here without finding unnecessary inspiration (except for Raimi's Evil Dead, but that's brilliantly exaggerated in a scene where Bruce Campbell searches a shed for a tool to destroy animated trees). The set design in the style of a more expensive TV movie is up to snuff this time, and the grateful setting of the girls' school also bears fruit. The casting committee had a really lucky hand, and the chorus of old virgin teachers in particular is absolutely spot on. I'm going to give it a little extra. (10/08/2006)

The American-British-German movie The Woods has a great atmosphere, although it ends badly. The ending tries to be quite an action-packed conclusion, although, simultaneously, you wonder if it might have wanted a little more. McKee's horror movie is certainly not badly made, though. He made great casting choices for the main characters, especially Patricia Clarkson. She is exceptionally fiendish as the director. (09/05/2019)