David and Amy Fox checks into a motel after their car breaks down only to find that there are videotapes that contains snuff films in the room. Not only that but the room that they're in is actually the same as are on the tapes and soon the couple find themselves fighting for their lives.
Jayson already beat me to the punch with this review but I finally saw the film, and I did like it, so I figured one more review couldn't hurt. Let's start with some trivia shall we? Sarah Jessica Parker was originally selected to be in this movie instead of Kate Beckinsale, and I must say it was an excellent idea casting Beckinsale instead of Parker because I can't stand that whiny broad at all, she's absolutely terrible. Beckinsale does not only look freakin´ great as usual but she really gets the job done and delivers an excellent performance. I must say that Luke Wilson was a bit of a weird casting choice and the guy did somewhat come off as an a-hole, but still did all right. It's just very weird having seen the guy in a number of comedies and what else and then suddenly see him in a "scary" flick, if you know what I mean. He did all right though and the further the film went, the more one started to appreciate him, or at least not seeing him as a misplaced character.
The plot of VACANCY is based on a very good idea. Basically this couple, David & Amy, are out driving, can't find their way and are experiencing some problems with their car. They stop at a gas station to get the car fixed and then hit the road again. It doesn't take long though before their car totally breaks down and the couple decides to walk back to the gas station again to get some help. Once there the attendant is gone for the night and after some more problems they decide to spend the night at the motel next door. Inside the room David finds some videotapes but when he starts to watch them he sees that they're snuff films, filmed in the very room that they're in. He then notices that there are hidden cams inside the room recording their every move. It doesn't take long before all hell breaks loose and the couple has to make it out of the motel, alive.
 
VACANCY offers a lot of tension and even though not too much stuff really happens, I never found the film to be the least bit boring. At times, you can actually feel the couple's panic and for some not to experienced horror viewers, this one could be a real nail biter. It's hard to say what was really good but first and most I did really dig the tension the film delivers. Also, the pacing was good and the very length was prefect too. But it's not packed with horror and scares, and the ending leans way more towards happy then the way it should've gone. The ending makes for a film that can be enjoyed for sure, but with no chance to be remembered. But on the other hand, it's Hollywood so what can you expect right?
One thing that VACANCY has going for it when it comes to the main characters is that as the film starts, David & Amy are not getting along at all. They have a dark past with a dead son and they don't seem to work as a couple at all anymore. But as they're attacked, and keep getting attacked all throughout the film, the couple have only each other to rely on in order to survive, and by that whole from foes to friends actually delivers a really good effect. Even though the film involves snuff, it's not a very gruesome film at all; it touches on horror every once in a while but what it really is, is in fact a thriller with lots and lots of suspense from start to finish.
I never though I'd like this film as much as I did, not that I thought it was great but it had more than I had expected. For fans of gore and such things this may not work wonders but if you need a good thrill on the suspense train, I suggest you buy yourself a ticket for the ride.
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ALTERNATIVE TITLE:
MOVIE YEAR: 2007
DIRECTOR: Nimród Antal
WRITING CREDITS: Mark L. Smith
GENRE: Horror, Thriller
CAST: Luke Wilson, Kate Beckinsale, Frank Whaley
COUNTRY: USA
RUNTIME: 85 min
RATING: 7/10
Vacancy Website/IMDB Click here
Vacancy Trailer Click here
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