Michelle-GellarOne you might have missed!
December 27th 2008 00:09
Well, well, well. You thought you'd gotten rid of me, perhaps? After the entire family was felled by a seemingly endless round of horrific stomach virus(es?) we are all finally recovered, and I can stare at the screen long enough to post!
Today, a quick review of... one you might have missed. Maybe you passed it up, because it seemed too mainstream or too teeny bopper-esque. But I promise you that it's neither and it's worth your time.I wrote this review some time ago for another web site, but recently re-visited it and remembered how wonderfully surprised I was at first viewing. Enjoy...
Vacancy: Blood Simple
At last, a newly released horror film that a self-respecting viewer can actually recommend with a clear conscience. Vacancy is that most rare of beasts in today's horror market- a taut little story that actually delivers scares. In the glut of PG-13 teen mush that comprises the modern horror genre, this one stands out. The film kicks off with a standard horror movie convention- a late night, a couple with car trouble, and a walk on a deserted road with nowhere to go but a seedy motel. Kate Beckinsdale and Luke Wilson portray protagonists Amy and David Fox, a married couple at the brink of divorce. They quibble, they bait each other, and they know how to push all the buttons. It is this relationship that is the cement, the reality infusion that makes the film gel. The decision to cast experienced, big name actors in starring roles is, in large part, responsible for Vacancy's success. While many horror films present only the standard horror archetypes (“the rich girl”, “the smart girl”, “the tough guy”), Vacancy instead gives us the couple next door, played with subtlety and deftness by both leads .
The vast majority of the action takes place within the confines of the spartan “honeymoon suite” of the Pinewood Motel room, a ‘no-tell motel’ throwback to the 70's that couches a murderous secret. The Foxes arrive, snippy and decidedly unexcited about shacking up in the far from pristine accommodations. Further irritated by the oddly ‘friendly’ manager, some very loud neighbors, and no television reception, they turn to the rooms VHS collection for entertainment (“You gotta take advantage of the amenities.”, David quips.) Unfortunately, it consists of nothing but low-budget horror films. Certainly we saw this coming, but when they realize -“ Wait a minute- that lamp looks awfully familiar and... What about that couch?”- that the tapes have been filmed in the very room that they reside in, it is a terrific thrill nonetheless.
Vacancy closely follows the formula made famous in a string of psychotic/home invasion style slasher films of the 70's (ala the original 'When a Stranger Calls'), particularly with regards to its 'less is more' aesthetic. Noises, screams, shadows and hidden faces comprise the majority of the scares. There is, in fact, a conspicuous lack of gore. The protagonists are chased, trapped, stalked and otherwise scared out of their skins. Although the terror may not be particularly 'in-your-face', the pacing is, leaving little time to catch your breath.
What really makes this film stand apart is the relative intelligence and 'real people' quality of the main characters. Vacancy is worth checking out for those who like their scares delivered in the classic Hitchcockian style.
Today, a quick review of... one you might have missed. Maybe you passed it up, because it seemed too mainstream or too teeny bopper-esque. But I promise you that it's neither and it's worth your time.I wrote this review some time ago for another web site, but recently re-visited it and remembered how wonderfully surprised I was at first viewing. Enjoy...
Vacancy: Blood Simple
At last, a newly released horror film that a self-respecting viewer can actually recommend with a clear conscience. Vacancy is that most rare of beasts in today's horror market- a taut little story that actually delivers scares. In the glut of PG-13 teen mush that comprises the modern horror genre, this one stands out. The film kicks off with a standard horror movie convention- a late night, a couple with car trouble, and a walk on a deserted road with nowhere to go but a seedy motel. Kate Beckinsdale and Luke Wilson portray protagonists Amy and David Fox, a married couple at the brink of divorce. They quibble, they bait each other, and they know how to push all the buttons. It is this relationship that is the cement, the reality infusion that makes the film gel. The decision to cast experienced, big name actors in starring roles is, in large part, responsible for Vacancy's success. While many horror films present only the standard horror archetypes (“the rich girl”, “the smart girl”, “the tough guy”), Vacancy instead gives us the couple next door, played with subtlety and deftness by both leads .
The vast majority of the action takes place within the confines of the spartan “honeymoon suite” of the Pinewood Motel room, a ‘no-tell motel’ throwback to the 70's that couches a murderous secret. The Foxes arrive, snippy and decidedly unexcited about shacking up in the far from pristine accommodations. Further irritated by the oddly ‘friendly’ manager, some very loud neighbors, and no television reception, they turn to the rooms VHS collection for entertainment (“You gotta take advantage of the amenities.”, David quips.) Unfortunately, it consists of nothing but low-budget horror films. Certainly we saw this coming, but when they realize -“ Wait a minute- that lamp looks awfully familiar and... What about that couch?”- that the tapes have been filmed in the very room that they reside in, it is a terrific thrill nonetheless.
Vacancy closely follows the formula made famous in a string of psychotic/home invasion style slasher films of the 70's (ala the original 'When a Stranger Calls'), particularly with regards to its 'less is more' aesthetic. Noises, screams, shadows and hidden faces comprise the majority of the scares. There is, in fact, a conspicuous lack of gore. The protagonists are chased, trapped, stalked and otherwise scared out of their skins. Although the terror may not be particularly 'in-your-face', the pacing is, leaving little time to catch your breath.
What really makes this film stand apart is the relative intelligence and 'real people' quality of the main characters. Vacancy is worth checking out for those who like their scares delivered in the classic Hitchcockian style.
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