A gleeful re-imagining of a used up horror scenario

Rating: 7/10 (5 May 2012)

Joss Wedon, the man behind cult T.V. shows 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' and 'Firefly' directs and co-writes this imaginative spin on a classic horror film scenario. From the generic title to worn out plot premise (four young people go to a creepy cabin deep in the woods only to be attacked by monsters), clichés are gleefully used; often with great comic effect, such as a sinister redneck gas station owner. The twist is that all that happens to the youngsters, their behaviour and even their personalities are being manipulated from a hi-tech control room by a large team of scientist and technicians. I won't spoil it by saying to what purpose. Bradley Whitford (Hadley) and Richard Jenkins (Sitterson) steal the show as the lead scientists, all other actors give satisfying performances that gel well with the plot. Characters and dialogue are very 'Whedonesque' which will appeal to fans of his work. Made to appeal to geeks and horror buffs such as myself, not everyone will appreciate or 'get' this movie. Some will even be annoyed by the plot holes. But if you know your ghouls from your zombies, you'll be highly entertained.