Antal's film does not exactly present anything new to the genre but what I liked about it is that it does not complicate things. It's quite a straightforward movie and it sticks to the main story and the end credits will be rolling after a crisp 80 minutes. Unlike most Hollywood films of the genre 'Vacancy' does not overuse twists (like after suffering dozens of fatal stab wounds, the killer, with its last breath, suddenly jumps to life for one last attempt to kill the hero/heroine) that tend to ruin the entire popcorn experience (these twists have become so frequent that they tend to be unintentionally funny). Sure, 'Vacancy' is not without its share of flaws. There are plot holes, like why did the policeman drive alone to the motel after receiving the emergency call? The dialogue is nothing great and, typically, there is a lot of swearing. The characters David and Amy are quite well written and the viewer does sympathize for them. I liked the subplot about the trauma of the accidental death of their child destroying their marriage. The villains are caricatured. The viewer gets no background info on them and they appear as mere sadistic killers enjoying making snuff movies. Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale are brilliant. They do bring a certain amount of depth that rises above the usual kind of performances you see in such films. 'No Vacancy' is a typical slasherish thriller that is well edited and well acted (by the two leads) and those who enjoy this genre may like this picture.
Review of Vacancy
