Cabin In The Woods

There has been a big delay with this film after the studio that originally made it went broke. Luckily another studio came along and bought it for release. Thankfully a protest by film fans has meant we can see this film on the big screen in Australia and not on DVD/Blu-ray.
Joss Whedon was the co-writer and producer of this film and it was directed by Drew Goddard. Joss has really only had one successful thing financially which is the TV series 'Buffy: The Vampire Slayer'. His attempts at films have not been as successful, despite having a rabid fan base. That is until now. The enormous success of 'The Avengers' has not doubt made Joss more popular in Hollywood. I could not be more proud. He is one of my writing heroes and someone I hope to emulate in some small way.
It is always suspicious when a film sits on the shelf for a great deal of time. Usually it is because the company who made it are worried that it is no good and so are not sure when is a good time to release it. Perhaps making some changes along the way. That is not the case with this film. I want to start by saying that you should try to know as little about this film before you go see it. Try to avoid the trailers or any information. Just know that it is a brilliant piece of film making and one of the best horror films ever made. Drew and Joss have taken the simple premise of a group of young people going to a cabin in the woods and turned it completely around. They have made an incredibly clever film that totally blows you away at every turn. Drew and Joss dole out the information about what is going on in the best possible ways. It just constantly amazed me throughout its run time. What also surprised me was how great the characters are. While the point of the film is that they meant to be cliches, they do not come across this way. In this type of film they are usually really dumb people who you don't mind seeing die. But these people are smart and clever, so you come to care for them even more. A lot of that has to do with the witty lines they are given by the script. The film is also incredibly funny but not in a silly way. It is not a parody but a new way of looking at an old concept.
It is interesting that this film was made before Chris Hemsworth became a household name through his role as Thor. It goes to show that even before he became hugely famous that he has chosen some great roles. While is supposed to be playing the dumb jock, he still comes across as an intelligent guy. Our lead Heroine is also a quality character. Kristen Connolly is excellent in this role. Annea Hutchison also manages to transcend the dumb blond. But without revealing too much, her blondness is not her fault. Fran Kranz is one of the many Joss Whedon alumnus appearing in the film. He also makes the dumb stoner role something very memorable. The best screen couple though is Richard Jenkins and Bradley Witford. I can't say much more but they are so incredibly funny. I was disappointed by Jesse Williams role. I wish he had a bit more to do. 

'Cabin In The Woods' is not only the best horror film ever made but one of the best films. I know many of you will be turned off by the horror element but that is a shame because this is simply a brilliant piece of film making. Just don't find out too much about it before hand.