Friday, February 17, 2012

The Innkeepers - Review and news. Ti West fans must read!!!!!

Hey all and thanks for coming back! I thank all of you reading this for your continued support. I know it's been a long stretch since any new posts but I have a pretty good amount coming as well as a potential new look for the site. Anyhow, I figured I'd kick things off with a review.

As many of you may have noticed, the quality of horror has been shoddy at best as of late. This is a big reason that I've delved deeper into the world of direct to DVD. While there are many terrible films released straight to disc there are quite a few gems to be had as well.

Ti West has been labeled by genre fans as one of the new "saviors of horror" along with fellow film maker Adam Green. Ti West was responsible for Cabin Fever 2 (before it got butchered by the studio. His cut is far superior, FYI) as well as the superbly creepy House Of The Devil. His new film continues his tradition of mixing old and new school with amazing results, and I was lucky enough to catch this before the DVD release!

The Innkeepers has been on my radar since production on it began. The premise is a case of art imitating life. The Yankee Pedlar Inn is in it's last days, about to close it's doors once and for all. The Inn has a nasty reputation of being haunted and on the last weekend two employees/amateur ghost hunters decide to try to capture evidence of said ghosts. The place is deserted save for a former actress turned psychic and two other guests. Of course, once the lights go out, things start to go bump in the night..

Now, the premise may sound familiar but West finds a way to breathe new life into the haunted house sub-genre. Further adding to the creepy factor is the fact that the real Yankee Pedlar (which plays itself in the movie) is also haunted in real life with numerous cases of sightings. This was actually the place that West and crew stayed while making House Of The Devil! In addition, just after filming of Innkeepers wrapped, news broke that the Pedlar would indeed be closing it's doors as well, further adding a sense of foreboding.

West has crafted an unbelievably tense and suspenseful film, keeping us on edge the entire time. The scares are effective and earned, as West chooses not to simply employ cheap jump scares like so many of his peers. Also, the ghosts, when they appear (and they do!) are very well done, all being created using practical effects rather than going the CGI route. This further adds to the effectiveness of the picture.

The look of the film itself is an aesthetic wonder in and of itself. Had the gadgets seen not given away the decade, this film could easily have passed as being made in the classic 70's age of horror, and that is meant in the most complimentary of ways. Every stitch of clothing, every piece of decor and every intricate camera angle just allow us to completely immerse ourselves into the movie.

Onto the performances! The two leads Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) are astounding. The chemistry between them as friends and co-workers is more than  believable and they possess talent in spades. The subtle indications that Luke may have a dirty little secret make for a nice little twist as well as some comic relief to momentarily break some tension. Also, the scene in which we learn his true feelings for Claire is played with just the right amount of bumbling charm that one can't help but hope that he'll get the girl.

Paxton is no slouch either, nailing her role and truly making us wonder if the ghosts are real or if Claire is truly losing her mind. There is also the much welcomed return of Kelly McGillis!!! She plays the medium who reluctantly agrees to semi assist in the escapades.

Overall, West has crafted a modern masterpiece and proves that he is a force to be reckoned with. Whether it be his wonderful scripting, his ability to evoke multiple emotions with masterful ease or even invoking some Kubrikian camera shots, it all equals out to one hell of a time. This movie is NOT to be missed. If you like a little thought with your horror on occasion, pick this one up!

The DVD and BluRay will be available April 24, 2012 being distributed by Dark Sky/MPI


Highlight Scene(s): The scene with Claire in bed as she starts to notice some spooky noises is so well done and incredibly creepy. A true highlight.

Also, the previously mentioned scene between Claire and Luke wherein he tries to convey his feelings is wonderful. It's a moment that we can all relate to.


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