What happens when you combine college kids with zombies and put them together in the middle of the forest? One insane comedic horror story that will have you covering your eyes and laughing at the same time.
“The Cabin in the Woods” is a horror/comedy in which five friends – all of different stereotypes – journey to a cabin in the woods for the weekend. Not much leads towards the cabin’s location but like any horror movie, it’s usually in the middle of nowhere.
In the beginning, you’re introduced to two scientists who are seen walking about in some building talking about life and what is going on with their lives in the upcoming weekend. Once the scene ends, the audience is introduced to the five main characters and how each one brings about their own stereotype.
Shortly thereafter, the creepy gas station (like in every other scary movie, such as “Wrong Turn” and “The Hills Have Eyes”) appears and the characters get some lawful advice from the gas station attendant. Not taking his advice, the group continues on to the cabin. What seems to be paradise turns out to be the group’s untimely doom.
As far as plot goes, this movie provides entertainment, even for those who dislike the horror genre. Even though people are being killed in strange and horrific ways, you can’t help but laugh at some of the stupid mistakes the characters make.
The movie itself is a little farfetched when such beings as ghosts, flying monsters and made-up creatures are introduced. Even though these aren’t presented until the end of the film, one begins to pick up on the fakeness when the zombie family rises up from the ground.
Though there are some gory scenes and mild nudity, the storyline between the college kids and the people behind the craziness is well explained.
Director Drew Goddard (“Cloverfield”) did an excellent job with camera angles. Although a little hectic, he knows where to put the camera at the exact time and moment to grab the greatest effect. Whether that is the close-up for the killing of an individual, or the moving shot of multiple people running from fear of what’s behind, the camera angles say it all.
Negatives for me include the story behind the scientist’s job. Introduced at the end of the film as well, you still can’t imagine that one would want to be involved with killing innocent human beings and using some of it as their own amusement. Luckily in the end, they pay for what they do and most of it turns out to be hysterical.
In another scene, three of the characters escape from the cabin and drive, what seems to be, miles back from where they came in the beginning of the story. Although a lot of movie time is taken up during this scene, a few scenes later, a character is confronted with past zombies from the cabin. How a zombie got there so quickly, I have no idea.
That and a few misguided lines were the only downsides to this movie. Other than that, it does a good job trying to scare you when you might not even expect it. And though you’ll fall in love with all of the characters, you’ll know when it’s each one’s turn to die.
Or will you?
