Cabin in the Woods

For all the hype around the big "twist" of the movie, they reveal what it is in the first scene. And the movie is better for it. I would consider this a mainstream horror movie. Some compare it to Scream, and I'd say that's fair, but not for the reason they think when they say it. Above all, Scream was a smart slasher film. Well, The Cabin in the Woods is much the same way in that it's about kids going to the woods to party and finding they're not alone there. But that really does a disservice to what Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard have done here.

Of course there are the detractors of the film, too. Too many jokes. Not that scary. The ending is a mess. It should have been done this way. Sadly, they're missing the point. It is fun. That's what you're supposed to have at the movies, fun. Too many times recent horror films are devoid of fun. They're the truly base elements of "let's see what we can get away with" or just plain human misery for 90 minutes. And guess what. This movie points that out with their commentary too.

The best part of the screenplay is there is something here for everyone (not just in the third act). If you're a fan of horror films, you will see a lot of things turned on their heads. If you're not as familiar with every horror movie trope, there is a lot of fun to be had here. Plus, again it is also very funny. And the acting is great (Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins being my favs).

Did you enjoy it?
Yes.

Would you see it in theaters again?
Already did.

Would you buy it?
...maybe.

Would you rent it?
Sure. Some parts require pausing.

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Yes.