Horror movie gone sci-fi The Cabin in the Woods (R) does not disappoint, providing everything but what is expected. The movie goes out of its way to surpass the regular “slasher-flick” reputation so frequently associated with the average gore film by adding its own surprising twist.

The story begins with a typical clique of college students taking a trip to a distant cousin’s cabin in the woods where they embark on cheap thrills and frequent dips in the lake close by to unwind from a long semester of school. After spending one day in the lodge, the vacation turns hostile when the group finds themselves being hunted by a family of zombies. One by one, the friends perish until only two students remain in a struggle for their lives. Classic horror plot so far…

The pair takes shelter in a mysterious room located underneath an oak tree not far from the lake and stumble upon a whole world of secrets they were never supposed to find. After the above-ground slasher element, the movie goes underground, literally, and becomes much more complex. The classic zombies in the woods morph into other monsters in the grave-like setting of the tunnels underground. This is where the sci-fi element comes into play.

Written by science fiction novelists Josh Whedon and Drew Goddard, the film has its own interesting portrayal of the monsters that live in the closet. I expected aliens and was ready to dislike the movie, but these guys know how to write an interesting horror script. The plot not only keeps the viewer invested but also provides the unpredictable. When it comes to scary movies, this duo should work together more often.

The cast includes big time celebrities such as Richard Jenkins (Stepbrothers) and Bradley Whitford (Law and Order) as well as paving the way for some new stars on the rise. Kristen Connolly, Fran Kranz, and Anne Hutchison all play leading roles in The Cabin in the Woods and have never had their shot at the big screen until now.  

The movie entices all emotions any good film should stimulate, from spine tingling terror to a recurring, ironic sense of humor. It is a must see for all fear-seeking film watchers, or anyone simply looking to have a good time at their next trip to the cinemas; however, the movie is not appropriate for all ages. It received an R rating and did include some nudity and graphic violence.

Rotten Tomatoes claimed it to be a must see, ranking it at 90% on the Tomatometer.  It did exceeding well in the box office too, making a gross $14,743,614 opening weekend.