Vacancy

Here's another LookingForClues movie review; this time it's for Vacancy, a nail-biting thriller! Haven't seen it? Buy your own copy. It's out on DVD - Own it now! Plot Synopsis: A confined setting is a useful tool for thriller-makers, and Vacancy is definitely boxed in: a rundown motel way, way off the Interstate, the kind of place where unsuspecting movie characters go to get stabbed to death in the shower. If Vacancy doesn't quite live up to its Hitchcockian forbears, at least it provides 80 minutes of well-designed mayhem. You know somebody's paying attention just from the opening credits, a clever vortex with pounding music by Paul Haslinger. Then we meet unhappy couple Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale, driving along in the dark and forced to stay at the Pinewood Motel after a car breakdown.   Read more... Please read our review of Vacancy, below. To own your own copy of the movie, please click on this ad, or click on one of the other DVDs for sale at Amazon.com.

The Not So Vacant VACANCY by Lynda Rey    9/14/07 There's something particularly catchy about Vacancy. The fact that I enjoyed it far better than even the biggest of blockbusters that were released in this year 2007 is proof enough that this was just one great movie to me. It didn't take long for it to appeal to me either. Perhaps it was because of the straightforwardness or even the surprise (and refreshing) ending. It didn't take long for the movie to get to the point, and though that caused it to be rather short in length, it simply worked. Sometimes, movies that dwell too much on plot without giving a balanced amount of action or thrills can be rather annoying. But, in this movie's case, I got what I truly wanted: a nail-biting thriller that doesn't require much explaining. The movie starts out simply enough, but is not quite what it appears at first glance. We meet a seemingly nice and content couple, David (Luke Wilson) and Amy (Kate Beckinsale) driving down an eerily dark and empty road. But matters quickly start to shift after a brief encounter causes the sleeping woman to stir from her slumber. Thus begins the clues that these two are not as happy as they appear and are rather hostile towards each other. It doesn't take long for we, the audience, to learn that this is a couple who have reached the end of their journey in their lives together and are seemingly anxious not to only reach their destination, but also to rid themselves of the other person for good. Thankfully, the movie doesn't leave out even the smallest of details, and in time, we learn the secrets of their troubled marriage. But when their car has even further trouble on their trip home, the real "adventure" begins. I admit, the overall plot of Vacancy is borderline disturbing in that while you know it's not realistic, you can almost believe there are people capable of doing what the villains were guilty of doing. Oh sure, it's suspenseful enough, but you can't help but wonder: are there really people like that? Well at least in this movie, there are such people as this: twisted minds keen on the most obscure and darkest of pleasure at the expense of other people's lives without a single thought of regret or remorse. As the movie progresses, our troubled couple find themselves smack dab in the middle of a movie all their own: a movie with the intent of featuring their demise. When they thought they'd be resting out their emotionally and physically tiresome journey in an old motel that time forgot, they eventually stumble upon a few old video tapes that feature what appears to be horror films. But in all actuality, these are just snippets of the horrible last moments of previous tenants at the Pinewood Motel, moments filmed from the very same room, victims of the villainous ways of the men who have our star couple trapped and fighting for their lives. Fortunately, we are also now immersed in the sight of what the victims are capable of doing in the midst of turmoil as well. This movie, as thrilling and chilling as it is, is not only about the evils of people, but it's also about the strength and courage of people, even if they cannot stand each other. Almost suddenly, our couple forget all their troubles upon realizing that they only have each other to survive the unfortunate turn of events they've come across. To me, there's sometimes no better way to put things in perspective until it's a matter of life or death. While it's best not to get to that level, sometimes, that's all a certain person needs. Nothing else matters except to ensure one's own survival, as well as their loved one. At first, it was difficult to imagine the two of them ever getting along again, but little did I know, the evils of other human beings helped to only strengthen what they had together. Based on my initial experience of viewing it in theaters, Vacancy has become one of my favorite thrillers. It's rare that a movie as simple as this one can, as the cliché saying goes, keep me on the edge of my seat. I knew it would instantly become a favorite by my mere reactions to the most thrilling of scenes. There were moments when I was even getting annoyed and frustrated with what was going on because I was just so immersed in the whole thing, wondering if this troubled couple can survive the evil pleasures of their fellow man. Yes, I admit, I even yelled at the screen a few times, as if I can actually have an influence over the stars. As disturbing as the concept was, I still couldn't shake the fun I had in cheering on the courageous couple and their ability and willingness to forgive and forget if it only meant they can have one more shot at life. I was glad to add this thrilling movie to my collection. Though there's not quite an overflow of special features, there's still some that will keep you busy, including cast and crew features, extended "snuff" films (death scenes), and a deleted scene. A movie like this doesn't need too much more to add, to be quite honest, and I'm still content with the DVD even despite the limited features. If you're up for a thrilling ride and some amazing performances by the actors, then by all means, Vacancy should be given its chance to shine. And I must say, I was quite pleased with the lovely twist at the end as far as who the real hero is. But I will say no more; you must see it for yourself! Lynda is 25 years old, lives in Indiana, and hopes to one day pursue a career working with animals. She enjoys many forms of self-expression, including art, poetry, and writing, which is one of the latter additions to her list of hobbies. Comments

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