Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 468 Ratings

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 40
  2. Negative: 2 out of 40
  1. Reviewed by: Peter Hartlaub
    Apr 12, 2012
    100
    By the time the ride is over, director Drew Goddard and co-writers Goddard and Joss Whedon will change course three or four times, nodding and winking but never losing momentum.
  2. Reviewed by: J.R. Jones
    Apr 14, 2012
    80
    Because the first narrative is so crushingly generic (which turns out to be the point), most of the amusement derives from trying to figure out what the second one is all about. I'm not sure I ever did, but the climactic one-two punch of special-effects chaos and meta-movie chin stroking should have the fanboys trembling with delight.
  3. Reviewed by: Peter Bradshaw
    Apr 12, 2012
    60
    However smart and sophisticated this film is, it may disappoint those who, in their hearts, would still like to be genuinely scared.
  4. Reviewed by: Kyle Smith
    Apr 13, 2012
    38
    I've seen a lot of rip-offs of "The Truman Show" and a lot of rip-offs of "Scream." I guess I have to give credit to The Cabin in the Woods for ripping off both at once.

See all 40 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 28 out of 169
  1. Absolutely brilliant movie. I think some people are going in expecting a slasher movie. Don't do that. It's more a black comedy wrapped around a great central concept. Whedon's humor is all over this flick, and he's never been funnier. Everybody praised Scream for the way it disassembled the horror genre, but Cabin does it SO much better. Expand
  2. man
    8
    This is NOT your average horror flick! In fact, it's so much more. This movie had everything! Horror, comedy, drama, suspense, you name it! Filled with plenty of thrills, chills and some very unexpected twists near the end. The entire cast did outstanding and were a big part of what made the movie feel so lively (unexpected cameo near the end of the film!) The script is absolutely genius in it's attempt to parody several iconic horror themes throughout the film. The one minor letdown for me was that the ending seemed like a bit of a copout, but I guess it was the only reasonable way to end the movie. I just can't say enough about this movie other than it's extremely entertaining from start to finish and the whole experience is one hell of a fun ride! Do yourself a favor and watch this movie! You won't be disappointed!!! Expand
  3. This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Considering how groundbreaking this film was reputedly supposed to be, "The Cabin in the Woods" was . . . decent. It had some fun humorous moments, some good characters and the plot twists are admittedly imaginative and somewhat original. However, as a whole, the film's attempt at upending the genre results in a somewhat clumsy presentation. The plot does grow and progress with a fair amount of grace, but when you start off with your typical slasher setup and end with literally armageddon, it's hard for the movie to feel consistent and connected overall. You gradually move through two or perhaps three different types of movies and a multitude of genres. This would work really well, of course, if executed with the right precision, but here it leaves you only partially satisfied. I rented the movie expecting a somewhat clever slasher film - now, I'm expecting the sequel to be the third "Clash of the Titans". If you enjoy original or imaginative stories, you'll probably really get into this one. It just didn't quite do as much for me as I thought it would. Expand
  4. I didnt watch the whole film. Put it this way, it was that bad, i turned it off a half an hour into it. I do not understand the good ratings for this film. Oh my god is it so annoying. Such bad acting, cheesy kills. stay away from this film Expand

See all 169 User Reviews

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