The Cabin in the Woods

Joss Whedon is not only a name in Hollywood, but a worldwide phenomenon when it comes to original screenwriting. He is bursting with ideas from every direction, and when he manages to bring something to completion, it is often an event. Or maybe not, because he is also able to fascinatingly kill some ideas. If there is something really interesting about The Cabin in the Woods, it's the concept that combines the good old Lovecraft style with modern teen massacre stories and plenty of horror props, all presented with a sympathetic perspective. The trouble is that The Cabin in the Woods is cluttered, and unfinished, oscillating between several genres, and what it does best, namely comedy, is hardly mentioned. Drew Goddard lacks directorial experience and probably even sufficient cinematic sensitivity to give the film a style, comb through Whedon's ideas, and above all, imprint it with atmosphere. Scenes that are potentially horror-inducing do not evoke fear. Those that could be suspenseful are rushed or wasted. The ironic elements do work, but they could be much more effective - they don't even come close to the best works of Sam Raimi. In the end, the film turned out to be a disappointment, although it cannot be said that it is a complete waste of time. I have no problem watching The Cabin in the Woods once, but I won't go back to it. Overall impression: 55%. (12/01/2013)

Unimaginable madness, what initially appears to be a routine horror flick, gradually transforms into something incredibly inventive and new. It reminded me the most of the TV series Lost, which was very popular at the time, meaning that if you don’t watch it until the very end, you will either understand nothing at all or very little. Cabin in the Woods is a sophisticated game with the viewer, setting its own rules within the genre and having absolutely no problem with it, something that can definitely not be said about every film in such a trash genre. (06/06/2013)

WOW! I can’t think of a better way to describe this film. If you're expecting a classic mindless bloodfest that becomes routine, stupid and predictable after the first kill, you're completely wrong. Cabin in the Woods is a true genre blast and probably the most modern and stylish horror film in years. Take this in any way you want, because the biggest mistake would be if I were to give you any significant approximation of what happens on screen. Screw the reviews and the synopsis, just go ahead and enjoy it. This is worthy horror! 85% (08/20/2012)

I've never seen a movie like this and I probably never will again. This is a horror where everything that has always been perceived as “classical horror elements” is turned upside down and you struggle to keep up. Enough said! This is just one of those movies where it’d be a shame to say anything more. Just watch it and then let me know how shocked you were so that more people decide to watch it. I think that should do it. (07/14/2014)

Excellent parody of all the clichés you can only find in horror movies. Admittedly, I wasn't really on board in the beginning and thought it was a load of crap, but then it picked up and gained momentum and I couldn't do anything but cheer for the stoner – he was just awesome. Plus, the ending was actually pretty unexpected and funny, and I was generally very pleased. Probably the best thing I've seen in the genre; too bad about the slow and unexciting start. (07/19/2013)