There are certain films where to give away even the most basic of details would ruin the experience of the film. Such is the case with The Cabin in the Woods, a film so rooted in the unexpected, to trust writer-director Drew Goddard and co-writer-producer Joss Whedon is all the preparation you need.

Taking the long used horror setup of college kids heading on a remote vacation retreat, The Cabin in the Woods abuses the horror genre as much as it pays homage to it. Writers Whedon and Goddard have managed to point-out all that is at fault for this often tired genre, as it also acknowledges the clear roots these filmmakers have in it.

Of the five college students, each character is likable, but is more of a stereotype rather than having much personality or depth, which is oddly exactly what the film intends. There is good girl Dana (Kristen Connolly), jock Curt (Chris Hemsworth), his girlfriend Jules (Anna Hutcherson), the likable stoner Marty (Fran Kranz), and nice guy Holden (Jesse Williams), who journey up to a cabin in the middle of nowhere for a weekend retreat of relaxation and fun.

This is about as much as I feel comfortable explaining, although from what I saw of the trailers after having seen the film, marketing was much more liberal in doling out spoilers. The experience is so fresh and unique, the story so ripe with unexpected twists and turns, that to have this experience significantly marred would be quite a shame. That being said, the film works strongly on a second viewing, so it’s really an experience that can’t be hurt.

For even the most causal movie fan, it will soon become clear just how many cliches or archetypes are present within the film, not just for the characters, but the events and even the dialogue. At the same time, the dialogue is so sharp, and the mystery is so intriguing, that the self-aware commentary on the state of movies today doesn’t outstay its welcome.

The originality here, even within the archetypes and self-aware cliches, is off the charts. It’s very rare that a movie can surprise from, quite literally, the opening scene. Goddard and Whedon have infused hilarious moments into the proceedings. For a “horror” film, the comedy is ramped up, particularly for people aware of what the film is commenting on. The film is never frightening, although there are a few jumps, but don’t let that dissuade you from seeing this, as it is delightful horror in nearly every possible way.

Films simply don’t get away with the amount of unique, unconventional moments and commentary that is in this film. There’s a reason there have been three (and soon four) Paranormal Activity films in the past few years, it’s safe and guaranteed to bring in an audience. The same cannot be said for The Cabin in the Woods, a curious and strange combination of a hilarious, bloody, meta commentary on all that is right and wrong with society and today’s moviegoing experience which only occasionally becomes excessive or missteps.

Turning the tired horror genre on its head, The Cabin in the Woods is absolutely delightful in nearly every way possible. Side-achingly funny at times, with all you’d expect from a mystery-horror, Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon have managed to create a spectacularly original genre-bender that offers non-stop thrills and laughs in equal measure.

Grade: A-

Rated: R (for strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use and some sexuality/nudity.)

The Cabin in the Woods opens nationwide on April 13, 2012.