The Cabin in the Woods

Initially due for release in 2010, The Cabin in the Woods finally gets a release in Melbourne - all be it, an exclusive run at the Nova cinema in Carlton(seemingly one of the few cinemas willing to give lesser films a shot at a theatrical run)?!
The Cabin in the Woods is no indie/art-house film however, and would in fact be ripe for a general release. It's been made by two genre giants in Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard. It's a horror/comedy(with meta infused DNA). And it stars current god of thunder, Chris Hemsworth. All the ingredients are there for profitable box office returns - and what's more, it delivers!!
The reason for the films long trip to 'theatre' is a consequence of MGM's bankruptcy problems in 2010. Many films suffered, including the new Bond and Hobbit productions, which have all since recovered. Lionsgate were the ones to throw 'Cabin' the proverbial rope and they're currently distributing the movie(on these shores at least).

The film tells the age-old story of five promiscuous teenagers, who venture to a secluded getaway one weekend(the cabin from the title). All the clichés are present and correct, but not without reason. Like 'Scream' before it, 'Cabin' plays on the expectations of it's audience. While some characters follow one another blindly into the clutches of evil, others are more astute - fluent in their genre surroundings.
We soon discover we're not the only voyeurs on this journey. A team of every-man scientists are hard at work, recording and monitoring each cabin resident, as they set about enjoying their weekend away.
It's quite unusual witnessing these scientists go about their daily routine, while they in turn study the teenagers in the cabin. It works magnificently - adding yet another dynamic to the horror genre.
It's a simple yet effective technique which comes as no surprise, when you consider the talent both in front and behind the camera.

The cast are all very convincing(as teenagers in their twenties), with Hemsworth the most recognizable. The stand-out performances however, must fall to the two lead scientists. Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins are absolutely superb in the roles of Hadley and Sitterson, respectively. They joke and jibe with one another, treating the most outrageous scenarios of their day-to-day with casual abandon.
Having recently broken box office records with The Avengers, Joss Whedon was already widely known as the creator behind television shows; Buffy, Angel and Firefly(not forgetting Firefly's big brother, Serenity).
Interestingly Drew Goddard worked alongside Whedon on both Buffy and Angel, before graduating to Alias and Lost. Formerly a writer and producer on these shows, Goddard made the move to features, writing Cloverfield. The Cabin in the Woods is his first film as both co-writer and director.

To say any more about the film would be to spoil it, however those familiar with these creators will have a good idea what to expect. Never sure which direction their ride will take you, you'll be shocked, surprised and giddy with laughter by the time the end credits roll. The Cabin in the Woods is a wholly original take on the horror genre. It's endlessly entertaining, witty and engaging - leaving the audience to ponder on previous cabin occupants?!

4/5

Poster image courtesy: www.mondoarchive.com