A Cabin in the Woods is another Joss Whedon movie so you know things are going to be exciting and strange. A group of college kids travel in an old RV to a cabin in the woods to spend a weekend having fun. But fun becomes extinct when a family of zombies attack the group. This seems like another teen-ager horror movie but Joss Whedon has other ideas. What if the sleeping Ancient Ones need a yearly ritual to stay asleep (and not wake up to destroy the world)? Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Jesse Williams, and Fran Kranz battle the forces of darkness. Lovecraftean themes and creatures make A Cabin in the Woods my choice for H. P. Lovecraft Movie of the Week! GRADE: B+
I saw this, probably on hbo or another channel. It wasn’t my type of movie. IIRC, this was a remake and was on the shelf at the movie studio for several years until finally released. I guess I don’t know enough about Lovecraft to recognize his themes.
Maggie, creepy monsters, magic rituals, and fearsome Ancient Powers. That’s about all you really need to know about Lovecraft!
Not a remake, but the studio had no good idea how to market it, since they assumed only idiots went to see horror films. You can gauge my appreciation for their attitude.
Maggie, you’re right. It was originally supposed to be released in February of 2010 but didn’t get out until April of 2012.
I remember some of the older Lovecraft movies, most of which were bad in an entertaining way, like THE DUNWICH HORROR (1970), which wasn’t bad except for the Sandra Dee addition. One of the best was RE-ANIMATOR with Jeffrey Combs great as Herbert West.
Jeff, I considered THE DUNWICH HORROR and RE-ANIMATOR as choices, but I went with A CABIN IN THE WOODS because of its cast and clever Lovecraftian elements.
It seems you’re just using the Lovecraft name as a synonym for horror, rather than being specific to the author and his works.
Rick, A CABIN IN THE WOODS refers to Lovecaftian characters and themes. Horror is a genre label, Lovecraftian is more specific.
Yes, this is definitely Lovecraftian, and still po-mo. It’s a fine film, by me.
Todd, I was surprised by A CABIN IN THE WOODS. The production values are petty good for this type of film.
Phil loves this sort of movie but I can’t watch them.
Patti, Phil would enjoy A CABIN IN THE WOODS. It’s quirky.
While fiddling around on Amazon Prime recently I came across a couple of HPL adaptations I’ve absolutely never heard of–“The Color Out of Space” and “The Thing On the Doorstep”. So far I’ve haven’t gotten up the nerve to try them just knowing they’re going to be awful. Anyone seen these?
Micheal, I’m willing to give THE COLOR OUT OF SPACE and THE THING ON THE DOORSTEP a try. Thanks for the heads-up!
You’re braver than I am, George. Hope you’ll report back.
Michael, I have the Necronomicon to protect me!
Maggie-this was not a remake. I think you’re confusing it with Cabin Fever.
I especially enjoyed Richard Jenkins in this.
Steve, I haven’t seen CABIN FEVER. Is it worth a look?
The first ones okay, nothing special.
Steve, there’s a H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, OR in October 2016. I’m tempted…
I’d say Steve is kind. But it’s less stupid than most Eli Roth films.
I actually loved this one but I love most things Joss Whedon is involved in.
Beth, I’m a big Joss Whedon fan, too! He’s a very creative guy.
It’s very much of a piece with most of his work. Don’t know if that would make it easier for Patti to enjoy or not, among those who have difficulty with visceral scares.
This film in on tonight, (Wednesday) on SyFy.
George –
I saw this in the theater and loved it. Bought the Blu-Ray immediately. Watched several times.
Scott, I think A CABIN IN THE WOODS is an underrated movie. I own the Blu-ray, too!