"The Cabin in the Woods (2011)" -- not your average Zombie Movie -- A Review!

Rating: 10/10 (25 January 2013)

"The Cabin in the Woods (2011)" is definitely not your average zombie movie. It's not even your average horror or sci-fi movie.
How to describe it? It's like "The Evil Dead" meets "Night of the Living Dead" meets "The Immortals..." meets "The Truman Show." 5 young folks suit up in their best summer-wear, hop in buddy's dad's RV, and head out to a cousin's cabin... in the woods.
All of the prerequisite character types are included: the Jock, the Braniac, the Stoner, the Sexy (just turned) Blonde and of course, the Virgin.
These roles become more and more stereotypical as the movie continues-- but that in no way detracts from this being one of the most creative, well scripted; at times hilarious, and at other times horrifying films I've seen in years-- and it's not just because it has zombies. Actually it has a whole "redneck torture family of zombies"... who use weapons! Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford are absolutely fantastic in their roles -- a little jaded about their work, going through the motions-- but, eh... it's a living. Anybody notice the "rookie" (shall we call him the summer intern) was named Truman. Coincidence? I think NOT! All of the kids are more than respectable as terrified late-teenagers, especially Fran Kranz as Marty, the constantly stoned wise-cracker. It's his stoner mind that starts to actually put things together-- except, is this sh*t really happening or is he just stoned? Marty Marty Marty.
This was one of Fran's first movies-- and I predict we will see a lot more of him.
There are more twists and bizarre turns than a really warped Penrose Stairscase! If you think you've got it all figured out, just keep watching. About every ten minutes you'll change your mind. And in the final climactic scene, there is such a smörgåsbord of violence and chaos that I wanted to stand up and cheer! Joss Whedon's quippy dialogue is a pleasure! Highly recommended!