Movie Review: Vacancy by ME

Title: Vacancy
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Luke Wilson, Frank Whaley, Ethan Embry, Scott G. Anderson
Directed By: Nimrod Antal
Produced By: Brian Paschal, Stacy Cramer, Glenn Gainor
Genre: Suspense/Horror
Release Date: April 20th, 2007
MPAA Rating: R for brutal violence and terror, brief nudity and language
Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing

Vacancy is a smartly done take on the standard thriller. David and Amy Fox (Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale) are on their way home from an anniversary party. They take a detour and the car breaks down. Checking into a hotel that makes the Bates Motel look like your local Hilton, our heroes settle in for the night. After discovering tapes of murders taking place in the very room that they are in, they realize that they are next. David and Amy then begin the fight for their lives.

I was quite surprised by Vacancy. Choosing not to follow the genre standard of scares through cheap shots or extremely detailed gore makes this film a more palatable type of horror/thriller. Doing exactly what it sets out to do, the movie delivers thrills, chills, action, suspense and mostly great performances. Our heroes aren't stupid, you don't find yourself screaming,” Don't go in there you dumb s**t!”. They are also not too smart for the situation either. You know, when the characters figure everything out on the first try or seem to know exactly what to do. You get to see them figuring things out.

Luke Wilson plays David as an almost everyday guy. I say almost because you that if you or I were in the same situation, we'd be cringing in a corner needing a new pair of undies. The chemistry, or lack of, between Wilson and Beckinsale works well as a couple at the end of their marriage. There is some great dialogue in the beginning that establishes their relationship. One other note on the casting, Frank Whaley will never be creepy. I don't care what anyone says, he will always be Jim from Career Opportunities to me.

Vacancy isn't a perfect movie. With a few minor “cheats” and a somewhat abrupt ending, Vacancy won't break any records but won't be a black mark on any resumes either. Some may say that the lack of depth may be a hindrance, but I find it refreshing to have just the bare bones. No unneeded details about our characters. Hell, you never even find out anything about the villains, no explanations or back story at all.

Until Mason meets Norman,
keep reading,
Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com