Ep 70. "The Cabin in the Woods" and "The Three Stooges" Reviews

"The Cabin in the Woods" and "The Three Stooges" are the featured films on season one, episode 70 of Maltin on Movies. Hosts Leonard Maltin and Baron Vaughn dive into these two vastly different films, exploring their strengths and weaknesses in equal measure.

First up is "The Cabin in the Woods," a horror-comedy film directed by Drew Goddard and co-written with Joss Whedon. Maltin and Vaughn are both fans of the film, as they discuss the meta-narrative and satirical elements that make it stand out from other horror films. They praise the strong performances by the ensemble cast, particularly Chris Hemsworth in an early role, and the clever twists and turns of the plot that keep the audience guessing until the very end.

But the hosts also acknowledge that "The Cabin in the Woods" won't be for everyone, with its graphic violence and over-the-top horror elements. They discuss the film's reception among horror fans and casual moviegoers alike, and compare it to other horror-comedies like "Shaun of the Dead" and "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil."

Next up is "The Three Stooges," a 2012 comedy directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, and Chris Diamantopoulos as the titular trio. Maltin and Vaughn have differing opinions on the film, with Maltin finding it to be a faithful and enjoyable tribute to the original Stooges while Vaughn is left cold by the dated slapstick humor.

They discuss the challenges of bringing the Stooges to a modern audience, and whether the film's kind-hearted tone and celebrity cameos work in its favor or detract from the original's anarchic spirit. Maltin praises the performances of the leading actors, particularly Hayes as Larry, while Vaughn laments the lack of chemistry between the three leads.

Throughout the episode, Maltin and Vaughn provide insightful commentary on the films, drawing from their extensive knowledge of cinema history and their own personal tastes. They offer recommendations for viewers who may be interested in either film, and provide context and analysis for those who have already seen them.

Overall, season one, episode 70 of Maltin on Movies is a must-watch for fans of horror-comedies or classic slapstick humor. Maltin and Vaughn provide thoughtful and engaging commentary on each film, making for an entertaining and informative viewing experience.