🍞 Happy Monday! Thanks for being here.
Today’s recommendation is for The Cabin in the Woods (2012), streaming on Prime Video and Hulu, a meta-horror comedy that horror fans and horror novices alike will love. Fun fact: Chris Hemsworth auditioned for the role of Thor while filming this movie, which ended being released a year after Thor.
Directed by Drew Goddard // ⏱ 95 mins // 🎭 Horror-Comedy
Here’s what it’s about:
Dana (Kristen Connolly) and her four college friends go on a weekend trip to a remote cabin where their fun getaway turns into a nightmare. Little do they know they’re a part of something even more sinister. [Trailer]
Why you should watch it:
Eight years ago, the trajectory of the horror genre was forever changed with The Cabin in the Woods. Well, maybe not forever changed, but it sent a statement to the horror community that has certainly been heard. The only way to describe Cabin is a loving hate letter to the horror genre. It simultaneously emulates — specifically the genre post-Evil Dead — and criticizes its new tropes by “explaining” its most outlandish aspects in increasingly ridiculous ways.
In their commentary, Drew Goddard and co-writer/producer Joss Whedon called the movie "something for us." Cabin could only be born from horror movie fanatics that are so well-versed in its history and tropes that it would take another horror movie fanatic to truly catch all the references. In that sense, The Cabin in the Woods is a gift to horror fans. However, its delivery is something anyone could enjoy. [Full review]
📺 Buy or Rent: Prime Video | iTunes | YouTube
In movie news
🏆 The Golden Globes accepts streaming (temporarily)
The Golden Globes have temporarily changed their rules to allow movies that had theatrical releases delayed or were released direct-to-digital due to the coronavirus pandemic to be eligible for the 2021 ceremony.
Movies with planned theatrical releases between March 15 and April 30 will be considered for awards if the studios send voters a digital or physical screener.
This means that movies released directly to streaming services or digital purchase can be nominated at next year’s ceremony, reversing a long-held rule that required a theatrical release.
However, they made clear that this rule will be temporary and that streaming-only releases will not be eligible in the future.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will return to host the 2021 ceremony.
My take: In reality, this isn’t a huge change. It isn’t likely streaming-only films will make an appearance at award shows nor will the Oscars follow suit. Plus, March and April aren’t traditionally months with many Oscar contenders anyway.
Have a great week and take care of yourself. Have you watched anything good lately? Let me know!
See you Thursday!
Karl (@karl_delo)