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Film
They check in, but . . . try to guess the rest
By Steve Persall
Published April 19, 2007
Amenities are scarce at the rundown motel in Vacancy (R), unless you count those video cameras hidden in the walls and air-conditioning vents. Guests check in, unaware that they're auditioning for starring roles in snuff films. Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale play the latest arrivals, David and Amy Fox, who don't suspect anything until they pop in a video left in the room. It looks like any other violent time waster until David realizes the "set" where a woman appears to be murdered looks very familiar. Of course, it is their room. Director Nimrod Antal has a few details to work out: why David and Amy can't escape or call for help, how the police haven't caught on by tracking missing persons - all those details horror filmmakers hope viewers won't think about. But there's something appealingly creepy about preview trailers for Vacancy, especially Frank Whaley as the desk clerk setting the deadly stage. This one might be fun. Vacancy was screened too late for Weekend review. Steve Persall, Times film critic
[Last modified April 18, 2007, 11:21:05]
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