Decent horror film, ultimately not gratifying

Rating: 4/10 (21 September 2012)

Finally, a horror movie with a fresh plot! And in the days of torture porn masquerading as feature films, Cabin in the Woods definitely delivers in the category of originality. The problem, however, is what to do with the end of the story. My 6th grade English teacher used to tell me "that's what separates the men from the boys, the real writers from the mediocre ones." That is, what to to with the end of the story.
The problem that I have with the film is inherent in Joss Wheedon's purpose--that is, to create a stand-alone horror flick that is unlike anything that came before it, or will come after it. Fine, mission accomplished. But one can put a chair in an art gallery and call it art. And perhaps some might find it amusing, interesting, entertaining---but ultimately, it doesn't gratify.
The premise is interesting--but given away a bit too early, in my opinion. 5 teenagers (?) spend a weekend in a cabin in the woods, zombies attack, people have sex and die, da da da da da.....But the twist is that it's all in the control of technicians who seem to care little for the participants, who are watching the teens' every move, and helping to ensure their demises. Why, we all ask? Well, that's the biggest problem with the film.
Even if the movie had been left completely open-ended, with no further explanation past "trying to keep the people upstairs happy," the movie would have been better. But that would have left room for a sequel, which Wheedon certainly doesn't want. Or perhaps it could have ended with a twisted government experiment, but that would have seemed like too much of a social statement. I think Joss Wheedon's character in the movie said it best: "Do you remember the days when all you had to do was throw a woman into a volcano?" From this, I gather, the movie is ultimately an homage to the past horror films of our lives, and I thank you, dear sir.
But ultimately, the ending just doesn't cut it, and it certainly doesn't live up to the expectations of the rest of the film.
And just one quick question: What the #%&* was Sigourney Weaver doing in this movie?