Review of Vacancy (1999) by Tim B — 07 Dec 2010

Thanks to the bullshit Screen Gems gave toward selling the movie, Vacancy went unnoticed through the theatre by a lot of people (myself included). Having watched it when it was released on DVD, I couldn't understand.

This is nothing original but as-is, this is still a suspenseful and entertaining thrill ride. The movie wasn't rocket science in terms of plot but its execution was more than rewarding. Set up your average bickering couple, psychos mess with them, a lot of chases and creepy moments ensue and before you know it, it's over.

I appreciated it. At least they weren't trying to directly remake a title (which is probably why Hollywood didn't give it the respect it deserved). Recently I had thrown this on while attempting homework and found myself holding the homework off.

.. I got sucked into it all over again. It certainly helped that the two leads were more than just camera friendly with their strong acting chops. Kate Beckinsale played a flawed but human character and certainly isn't displeasing to the eyes as a damsel either.

Luke Wilson always carries a certain charm that draws one in. He got to easy up on the comedic side for once, which was different. Frank Whaley can play one creepy motherf*cker and here was no different.

Even when he wasn't doing anything on screen, I would get chills. Ethan Embry ran around and looked scary. He was good in what he had to do. THIS was where I recognized Nimrod Antal! I recalled his name watching Predators and couldn't pinpoint where I had heard of him before.

I'm glad to say his directing style hasn't changed and his style is stamped all over this earlier entry too. I love his clever shots and pans. Safe to say he also has a firm handle in the suspense department.

Good god, does he ever! On the slim downside, if you've ever seen any horror movie before, you'll catch on quick where this one is going. Not to say it isn't a horrible time but it's fairly predictable.

We also get a couple of dumb moves on the protagonist's parts that was see-through in creating a plot device for the baddies. Lastly, the snuff films that spawned the revelation of the psychos was pretty disturbing and could have been used as a good tool in jacking up the all around "horror" aspect of the picture.

Alas, it was dropped and forgotten about. Why start it that way, then? All in all, I highly enjoyed Vacancy. It was by-the-numbers and almost see-through in every frame, but its ambition and its on-the-move vibe felt original enough for me to enjoy myself.

It's easy, fast and keeps me entertained. That's all I could ask for. Nit-pickers and Epic story purists stay away. Recommended for all others.