Beware of the trees

Rating: 8/10 (8 September 2005)

This is probably one of the most ridiculously simple movies ever made. 5 actors, a small crew, and a very tight budget. But it is precisely those strenuous limitations that make this such a classic.
The story starts of with five friends heading to cabin in the woods for a bit of R&R. Here they find what is called "The Book of the Dead" and the terror begins! Many of the shots, and especially the spooky set up, are very clever and provide for a terrific horror film. From hand-held perspective shots to eerily steady tracking shots (a la Kubrick) as the demonic presence stalks the protagonists the movie is non-stop terror and excitement. Also, the amazing gore effects deserve mention and they are so putrid and gross that ultimately makes this film not for all tastes. Especially when a woman is raped by a tree (!!!!!!!!!). But isn't that the point? Gore is meant to be unsettling and horror is supposed to be irrational. That is, after all, what makes it horrifying. 8/10
Rated NC-17: graphic carnage and gore and then some more gore