I heard a lot of hype about this when it came out, which is why I didn't bother seeing it. I've seen it reference now and then since though, so I thought maybe it had stood the test of time, and decided I'd give it a try.
Ok, so, right away? nice unexpected pop up title. We need more of these, despite them now being used semi-frequently. Also, I love these controller guys. These are the real heroes of the film, fuck the teenagers. I was bummed out when they were dispatched towards the end, but I really enjoy characters like them, and the acting was superb. Even the fairly minor characters are well drawn here, and I was genuinely sad to see them go.
By contrast, I couldn't see the teens die fast enough (not putting that in red because you're an idiot if that's a spoiler). Their acting and background build up is done better here than in most slashers, but it was still an ordeal for me. The good thing about this movie, though, is that it's deliciously self-aware. Whedon was only a producer in this, yet I feel I can still sniff out his lovely stank.
The deaths are also mostly unexpected, which I always like. None of the movie was scary scary though. There was a little tension, and a few jumps, but nothing major. I have no sympathy for jump-scares anyway, but the tension never have enough time to build up before we either cut away to someone else or the mood changes comedically.
I'm fine with all that though. To be honest, I find most horror kind of crappy and I struggle to really enjoy it unless they throw in a bunch of artistic shit to make watching it more interesting. This movie goes the 'Scream' route instead, and I'd say arguably does a better job of it. Sure, it deserves to be remembered, why not?
The Cabin in the Woods: 69.0