Review of Vacancy (2007) by Ola G — 24 Apr 2010

The trubbled couple David (Luke Wilson) and Amy Fox (Kate Beckinsale) find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere when their car breaks down. But, by chance they passed a motel and gas station on the road, so they find their way back there for help and they are greeted by the owner of the motel, a slightly strange man named Mason (Frank Whaley). Amy and David decide to stay the night at the motel to wait for the gas station to open in the morning. In the motel room David pops in a video cassette in the vcr to entertain the couple, but he realises there is something very strange and familiar about the slasher type of movie he is suddenly watching. The movie appear to have been filmed in the very same room they occupy! Realizing that they are trapped in their room with hidden cameras, David and Amy desperately tries to escape from the motel while Mason and his henchmen are on their trail....

"Vacany" is not bad I reckon, but the movie is as well filled with all the classic horror movie cliches. And yes, the connection/homage to Norman Bates and "Psycho" and as well Alfred Hitchcock is there for sure. "Vacany" has a sharpness in the editing, suspense & action and I think both Wilson and Beckinsale are doing a solid job. Still, the storyline is somewhat wishy washy and I kind of miss some pieces to the puzzle. "Vacancy" goes in one eye and out the other one. This is not one you will really remember.