With geek god Joss Whedon (creator of TV's Buffy and Firefly among other fan favorites) on board, it's fair to say that the expectations for "The Cabin in the Woods" were quite high for enthusiasts of the horror genre. Here he shares a writing credit with the film's director Drew Goddard and the result is one of the year's more entertaining experiments. I truly think that this is a film that will suffer due to those that are willing to discuss too many of the plot points in advance, so I'll be brief in my actual descriptions. I will say this, though, the less you know about the movie--the more fun you can have. In my opinion, even the advertising campaign and trailers hint at too much. You know from the start that this isn't your typical fright fest. Instead, what is served plays up and skewers every horror movie cliche imaginable. It is both hip and witty, as well as smarter than it has any right to be. It twists movie conventions around in clever new ways and makes something that seems remarkably fresh and different. And if you're a fan of horror movies, this is simply fun, fun, fun.

Of course, we all know the genre of movies that involve a cabin in the woods (or other appropriately desolate place). Let's get a car full of kids, strand them, and then start picking them off in increasingly creative ways. At the start, that's exactly the scenario that "The Cabin in the Woods" sets up. We meet five standard character archetypes for these type of films: the jock (Chris Hemsworth), the stoner (Fran Kranz), the good girl (Kristen Connolly), the vixen (Anna Hutchison) , and the scholar (Jesse Williams). After a brief bit of character introduction, we're off to the woods. As they settle in, each rises to their individual stereotype. First there's drunken revelry, then there's the discovery of a very spooky basement, and then mayhem ensues. What's going on and can anyone survive? If you've seen the trailers, however, (and if not, this is also included as the first scenes in the movie) you know that there is something more complex at work behind the scenes. But that's all you get from me. Let's just say that the film turns into a post-modern game as much as a traditional horror endeavor.

The film really works on several levels. It's funny without being overly precious. It always knowingly involves the audience in its sense of gamesmanship. The fact that we have more information than the characters (but not everything, of course) makes us complicit in an enjoyable voyeuristic experience. And yet, there are plenty of scares and surprises in store. "The Cabin in the Woods" has relatively moderate goals, it just wants to put on a good show. The ending pushes quite far and is deliriously over-the-top. It may not stand up to much intellectual scrutiny, but I didn't care. I was just along for the ride. This may not necessarily be considered among the "best" movies of the year, but it is easily one of the more entertaining ones. And in that way, Whedon and Goddard have honored horror movie fans everywhere. For sheer entertainment, about 4 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 5/12.

Bonus Features Include:
Commentary with writer/director Drew Goddard & writer/producer Joss Whedon
"We Are Not Who We Are: Making The Cabin in the Woods" Documentary
"The Secret Secret Stash" Featurette with "Marty's Stash" & "Hi, My name is Joss and I'll be your guide"
Wonder-Con appearance with Whedon and Goddard
"An Army of Nightmares: Make-Up & Animatronic Effects" featurette
"Primal Terror: Visual Effects" featurette
"It's Not What You Think: The Cabin in the Woods" Bonus View Mode (For Blu-ray Only)

I can't believe some people are giving this movie a 1..even 2's. Hello!? This movie was amazing. Probably one of the most original, UNPREDICIBLE movies I've seen in a really long time(And I've seen many). Its funny that people are saying this movie is predictable and boring because there's no way you can guess whats going to happen. Its never been done before. Its funny, gory, and you'll probably jump a few times without this movie being cheesy or stupid. Not too scary, but the unique-ness of this story makes up for it. definately go see it!

. . . complete with Buffy/Angel veterans Tom Lenk (sadly under-used as "just an intern") and Amy Acker.

I think I'd class it as a "novelty movie" (analogous to that strange category: "novelty song") or maybe just an animated comic book. Not something I'd watch again and again, but it is a terrific spoof (or explanation) of horny teenager slasher films.

Why are they always so stupid? Suggestion -- "Take a walk!"
Why the ill-timed and weirdly inappropriate sex? Pheromes.

Why are they doing this to us?
Because it's no longer legal to throw virgins DIRECTLY into volcanoes.

Loved the stoner carefully locking his car (but leaving the window open).
Loved the riff by the Scary Old "harbinger" Guy on the rudeness of being put on speakerphone.
In the white-walled lab you will see echoes of Buffy's "Initiative" -- with a twist. You will also see "Andrew" from Buffy and "Fred" from Angel.

Very well done tho will admit that I prefer Scary Movie where the heroine (pursued by Scary Bad Guy) faces a choice (presented on a silver platter) between a knife a gun and a banana -- and chooses the banana. Cabin in the Woods has great fun explaining why.