The Cabin in the Woods [4K UHD] [Blu-ray]

This is not only a brilliant horror film, but also a brilliant deconstruction of horror films. If you're a fan of the horror genre, you absolutely have to see it. It's scary, suspenseful, and sexy; but it's also funny, clever, and self-aware. It's a fresh new take on a genre that was starting to get rather stale. Written by geek icons Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, produced by Whedon, and directed by Goddard, this film takes all of the standard tropes you'd expect to find in a modern, blood-soaked horror movie, shines a spotlight on them, and gives them a fresh new interpretation that somehow manages to be both subversive and celebratory at the same time. Here, subtext becomes text, as Goddard and Whedon pull back the curtain and allow us to see what's really going on behind the scenes of the typical slasher film, letting us in on the secret of why all of these movies seem to follow the same basic plot. Some things in this movie will feel very familiar to anyone who has seen any of the popular horror films of the past few decades, especially the "Halloween", "Friday the 13th", and "A Nightmare on Elm Street" franchises and their derivatives. But everything else in this movie is so original, so unexpected, and so unlike anything we've ever seen before in a slasher film that it transcends the genre and redefines what a horror movie is capable of being. This is not merely a horror film. It's a subtle commentary on the very nature of horror films. It is a loving critique of the genre, as well as a satirical homage to it. It's not a parody like the "Scary Movie" franchise; though it does often blur the line between the grotesque and the absurd. This is an actual horror thriller that is just as suspenseful, just as violent, and just as gory as any other slasher film. But there's a lot more to it than that. As you'd expect from Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard -- who first worked together on Whedon's cult classic TV series, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" -- this movie manages to find the dark humor in the midst of all the horror; and it celebrates the aesthetics of the macabre. More importantly (at least from the perspective of geeks like me) this movie has an intellectual depth to it that you just don't find in the typical slasher film. If you're not a geek, you can thoroughly enjoy this movie simply for its edge-of-your-seat thrills, its laugh-out-loud jokes, and its eye-candy cast (personally, I liked the redhead; but, then again, I always like the redhead). But geeks will also appreciate the clever subtext that Goddard and Whedon have built into this film. There's definitely a lot going on underneath the surface. If you're a fan of horror movies, you really owe it to yourself to watch this. And you'll definitely want to watch it more than once in order to make sure you catch all of the subtle details that are easy to miss the first time around.I think you'll also enjoy the bonus materials included on this disc. I certainly had a big grin on my face the entire time I was watching the mini documentary on the making of the film, and the featurettes on monster design and special effects. It's fun to see how all this stuff gets done. The audio commentary by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard is also a lot of fun to listen to. Overall, the special features complement the movie quite nicely. I was quite pleased with them.I can't guarantee that you'll love this movie as much as I do, because your tastes may be very different from mine. But if what I've written here has piqued your curiosity about this film, then you really need to check it out and decide for yourself whether or not you like it. I'm certainly glad I saw it.

It has been so long since I watched this movie, but I needed to rent it from Prime and I've decided to write a little review for anyone who has yet to see it and are curious."The Cabin in the Woods" delivers an exhilarating cinematic experience that defies traditional horror tropes and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. From the very beginning, the film establishes a unique tone that expertly blends horror, humor, and meta-commentary. The result is a refreshing take on the genre that left me thoroughly entertained and engaged from start to finish.One of the standout elements of the film is its clever subversion of horror conventions. While the setup might seem familiar—a group of friends heading to a remote cabin—what unfolds is a thought-provoking and unexpected narrative that challenges the audience's expectations. The way the story skillfully navigates between suspenseful horror and self-aware satire showcases the filmmakers' ability to keep viewers guessing while delivering genuine thrills.The cast's performances are equally impressive, with the ensemble delivering memorable and relatable characters. The chemistry between the actors adds depth to their interactions, and their reactions to the escalating events feel genuine, further immersing me in the unfolding chaos. The film's visual effects and practical effects work in tandem to create a visceral and visually captivating experience that elevates the tension and terror."The Cabin in the Woods" is a brilliant and imaginative horror film that offers a humourous tone on the genre. Its intelligent storytelling, masterful blend of horror and humor, and strong performances make it a must-watch for both horror enthusiasts and those seeking a cinematic experience that challenges conventions. If you're looking for a film that pushes boundaries and keeps you guessing until the very end, "The Cabin in the Woods" is a remarkable choice that delivers on all fronts.

This movie is and has been an awesome movie to watch! The first time was the best, but it's always worth rewatching every 6 months to one year. Yeah, it's bloody and full of gore, but it's not done terribly. It isn't scary, but more exciting and intriguing. This is a must-watch.