There are absolutely soooooo many classic scary movies to choose from when I think of what my favorite scary movie is. But everyone has that one random scary movie that just, for whatever reason, sticks in your mind.
For me that movie is 'Vacancy' starring Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsdale.
Any respectable scary movie, in my opinion, should have it's fair share of cheesiness. Vacancy sure does. A couple on the brink of divorce, get into trouble in a very predictable way after a failed attempt at a shortcut leads to their car eventually malfunctioning.
A very shady individual helps them 'fix' the car and the couple's sent on their way. As the viewer, it's pretty clear that this mechanic rigged their car to fail. It's hilariously obvious, but also, the acting by the shady individual is pretty good. The guy was creepy.
Later, the couple is forced to reluctantly rent a motel room near the mechanic's place and that's where we meet the most creepy motel manager in existence. This is where the movie gets good in my opinion.
Right off the bat, this guy feels psychotic, like genuinely. So creepy. He's actually comical at times but just enough to where you can still sense that he's whacked. Just a 'fun' opening scene for this character, in a horror movie sense, that made the movie feel a lot darker in a snap. The character is played by Frank Whaley.
The couple checks into their beautifully old-looking, just dirty and creepy motel room. The room seems gross and quite disturbing, but it also seems rather ordinary and basic. Unsuspecting and easily underestimated. But the room proves to be a trap, and their every move is being watched. The very room they are in is literally unsafe...
Vacancy builds suspense in a way that is just nails on a chalkboard to me, and that's a compliment. Suspense is like the most key ingredient to a good scary movie. I have seen a lot of scary movies and the suspense in this one was just awesome. Hip-hop fans would consider the type of suspense in Vacancy as 'off-beat'. I just was caught off guard many times in this movie. Vacancy is like a boxer. It gives content, context, something to work with and then just counters unexpectedly. I am impressed.
The off-beat suspense was a big reason to be a fan of this movie, but this movie is also a paranoid person's absolute worst nightmare. This couple is just never safe and I just could feel that fear.
Another reason this movie was scary was just the violent nature of it, without being overly gory. The last twenty minutes were just absolutely intense man. The movie just feels cold, and mean and unforgiving.
I don't want to give out massive spoilers, but there are awesome plot twists and jaw dropping moments in this one.
Overall I just love the suspense and coldness of this movie. The motel manager is uniquely vicious. This movie is both unrealistic and eerily plausible. The creative plot twists are also fun.
This movie just gives me goosebumps.
The acting between Luke and Kate are meh at times but surprisingly solid at others. Luke's role seems annoying at first but ultimately his character seems relatable and courageous. Kate's role was refreshingly decent too as many women in horror movies are a liability.
Also, Kate Beckinsdale is just beautiful, ya know?
Then, the trio of villains were just creepy. At times a bit corny, but that also made them more creepy in a way. A smart leader, and two, sort of dim lackeys doing the dirty work. Michael Myers type of masks, but these dudes were not just walking.....
Overall, it was fun to re-watch and share my favorite movie with the Cine community! I would love to go through and read some other people's favorite scary movies!
Anyone ever see this movie? It's fifteen years old now dang!!
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