If you go down to the woods today you're in for a big surprise!
The Cabin in the Woods embraces and turns conventions of horror on their head with Joss Whedon's trademark witty dialogue and often flippant humour. Featuring Whedon alumni, Amy Acker (Angel), Tom Lenk (BtVS), Fran Kanz (TV's Dollhouse, labelled, 'The Fool,') and later Avengers alum Chris Hemsworth, The Cabin in the Woods is a cut above the rest.
Kristen Connolly is excellent as Dana Polk, an American college student / bookworm, labelled as 'The Virgin.' Her potential boyfriend, 'The Scholar,' Holden (a very good Jesse Williams) is on the high school football team. Anna Hutchison is also good as her (Little Red Riding Hood), friend Jules, girlfriend to football Jock, Curt (a brilliant Hemsworth.) Aka 'The Athlete.' Jules is unfairly labelled, 'The Whore.'
The plot: a group of college students vacation in a remote Cabin, where strange things start to happen.
For maximum effect, you're better off going into this knowing as little as possible. Shocks and surprises await! The unexpected ending is a gore fueled triumph, with superb special effects for such a modest budget. Richard Jenkins & Bradley Whitford are great value as two lab employees.
FG FG FG FG
SCREENPLAY BY: Joss Whedon, Drew Goddard. RUNNING TIME: 95 minutes. CERTIFICATE: 15 / R. USA.
