This is Cabin Fever Worth Catching
If you are in the unfortunate position of
having seen the trailer for this little ‘horror’ flick, then you may already
know too much. Erase it from your
memory; stop reading this review and book a ticket, safe in the knowledge that
this cabin is full of surprises that defy the clichés. But before you do stop reading, be aware that
I will reveal nothing of what is in store if you choose to see this film.
It all starts with the typical set up
familiar from a thousand other horror films.
Five college kids head off the grid to find a secluded cabin belonging
to a cousin. It’s the perfect place for
a bit of sex, drugs, swimming in a lake and getting picked off one by one in
grisly ways. So far, so Evil Dead, Wrong Turn and Cabin Fever.
But right from the opening scene, there’s
something different about this Cabin in the Woods. Who are the corporate types in the opening
scene and where do they come into the plot?
Why is there a man on a roof spying on the college kids as they set off
on their adventure? And how come these
kids aren’t quite the usual
stereotypes we expect in this kind of film?
To say any more could ruin the experience
for readers of this review. But what can
be said is that this film is an often hilarious white-knuckle ride. Horror fans will rejoice at the old school
set up and the vicious violent deaths while all viewers will enjoy the comedy,
the surprises round every corner and the clever subverting of genre
conventions.
The cast do a good job but it’s the mostly
smart ideas and the clever writing that really make this stick out. Hemsworth can deliver handsome jock while
sleepwalking, while Kristen Connelly and Fran Kranz ably tackle virginal sweet
girl and stoner shtick respectively.
There might only be the odd surprise in terms of who buys it next and
who will make it to the final frames but what will surprise are the regular
deviations from the main plot to the sinister activities of the corporate types
from the opening scene.
And if you don’t enjoy the brilliant and
hilarious bloodbath finale, you’ll need to look long and hard to find something
else that can satisfy your horror needs.
The final reveal may lack the surprise hoped for from the rest of the
smart set up but it’s a minor complaint when the ride is this much fun.
Verdict: It’s fast-paced, fresh, frightening and ridiculously
funny! But be warned: be careful what
you read/see before you go in. Blessed
is s/he that knows next to nothing about what is in store.
4 out of 5 stars
Released Friday 13th April in
the UK.
Really looking forward to this! The hype levels in me have slowly been rising! Can't wait :D Just really happy it's finally getting a release!
ReplyDeleteExactly! It's been a long wait but it's worth it!
DeleteI did hear many good things about this one and as a horror fan I will definetly be watching this as soon as it gets released in theatres where I live. We have real shortage of good thrillers and horrors recently.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it, it thought it was really funny and original!
DeleteI can't wait for this film to come out! Glad to hear a positive review from someone I can trust.
ReplyDeleteThanks man! Hope you liked it as much as I did!
DeleteHmm, I was thinking this wasn't going to be that great, but I took your advice - stopped reading your review and will catch it when it comes to theaters here!
ReplyDeleteHey it's not quite the game changer that has been suggested but it's bloody fun! I hope you like it!
DeleteHi Pete! I'm not a fan of horror so I'll skip this. I forgot that Chris Hemsworth is in this, wow so he's got this and that blockbuster Avenger in this, good for him!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot of fun Ruth! It's actually almost a parody of horror if that makes it any more appealing?
DeleteI'm glad I haven't seen the trailer yet. Of all the genres that should reveal as little as possible about the story, I would have expected it to be horror.
ReplyDeleteGo into it as fresh as possible. There are plenty of surprises in store!
DeletePardon me as I skip your review. I am waiting to read anything on it until after I see the film.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know that your first sentence tells that you like the film though! I can't wait.
Yeah wise movie! Hope you like it too. It seems to be pretty popular but I'm sure there will be an inevitable backlash.
DeleteSaw it Friday and loved it! Even without the fresh twists and turns it would have been a great film!
ReplyDeleteYeah but it wouldn't have made me laugh so much!
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