VACANCY

(9/10)

You know, I think going to the movies in the day when its not busy is the best way to enjoy a scary movie- cuz there is no annoying people or teenagers to kill the mood!

Ok...

Vacancy was a slick and quick game of cat and mouse. Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale star as a soon to be divorced couple who have found themselves stranded in a hotel room that actually happens to have several hidden cameras and is the setting for snuff films (Films that actually show people killed on screen, some sick people get off on that). Once they figure this out, they'll stop at nothing to stay alive til sunrise.

The director, Nimrod Antal is certainly going to have a good career ahead of him because he knows what he is doing. Very symbolic movie and given such a small set to work with he really makes us dive into this maze and become terrified along with our two heros. The opening credits alone are worth the price of admission- some of the coolest I've seen in a long time and the musical score was superb. Though the trailers may lead you to believe that the movie is ultra violent- it really skimps on the gore! There is just enough and you find yourself being scared without being grossed out like more recent thrillers of this kind have been lately.

Beckinsale and Wilson really turn in top-notch performances. Although Kate has played the pissed off wife before and certainly kicked ass in the 'Underworld' flicks, she really captured it and I fell for her. Also, finally - to see Luke Wilson play something other than stupid sibling or boring romantic lead was refreshing- he can totally be an action hero, he was super cool, good job.

Some may argue that the ending was too typical but I really found the whole thing kind of risky and unpredictable. The ending is pretty much good or bad depending on the kind of person you are and the preference you really like. The movie is also an allegory for marital problems haha.

So overall, at a very brisk 85 minutes the movie is worth seeing. Really, what else can you ask for? You don't have a minute to get bored, you're constantly on edge and the atmosphere really grabs the eye. I almost wish I could go on more about this but it really would be giving too much away but I hope word of mouth can spread on this one because I'm not ashamed to say I loved it. The best road thriller since Joyride.