Think back to the ’50s and ’60s, when interstate highways and roadside motels were still a relatively new venture for Americans. Alfred Hitchcock saw potential in these things, and “Psycho,” probably the most iconic thriller of all time, was born.
Even from the opening credits, it’s evident that “Vacancy” is meant as a throwback to the thrillers of the past that used roadside motels as their playgrounds of terror. It’s a tried and true formula, and it works well even today, only this time with a more up-to-date plot.
Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale star as a modern, unhappy couple, David and Amy, who suddenly find themselves stuck for the night at The Motel That Time Forgot, a run-down joint complete with a creepy manager, neon lights and wonderfully outdated decor.
Just like in “Psycho,” things aren’t as they seem, but instead of holes in the wall, video cameras are used to watch every move made by the couple. Naturally, the people watching them don’t have pleasant things in mind, and things soon take a turn for the worst.
The acting of the film’s leads is pitch-perfect, which certainly adds to the credibility of the film, and instead of utilizing the current popular technique of “torture porn” to get its thrills, “Vacancy” sticks to the classic (and arguably more effective) method of tension-building and jump-in-your-seat scares. The film even uses movie standards cockroaches and rats to up the creep factor.
Even without big-name stars Wilson and Beckinsale, the movie still would have proved effective (but it’s definitely nice to stare at two pretty people for 90 minutes).
Though formulaic in a sense, “Vacancy” isn’t necessarily predictable. Thankfully, the film’s action is well-crafted and well-written, and the characters aren’t prone to making stupid mistakes. There are no killers hiding in back seats and no running up stairs, and for once, there isn’t a single sex scene in sight.
Let’s be honest, though: There really isn’t anything truly original about this movie. There have been too many thrillers about hotels to count, and there’s nothing new about mysterious bad guys killing random innocent people. But if the point were to be original, “Vacancy” wouldn’t try to emulate the old-school thrills that previous generations grew up on.
Instead, it’s a fun, classic thrill-ride that is bound to be dismissed by some audiences as yet another lame formula thriller. Filmgoers with an appreciation for “Psycho” and the multitude of films it spawned, on the other hand, should check out this “Vacancy,” which is more than just an empty room.
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“Vacancy”
Starring: Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale
The lowdown: A classic motel thriller that provides a healthy dose of old-fashioned scares.
Theaters: Cinemark 17 and Valley River Center Stadium 15
