The Innkeepers (VOD)
| release date | December 30 2011 |
| studio | Magnet Releasing |
| director | Ti West |
| writer | Ti West |
| starring | Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis, George Riddle |
| trailer 1 | Trailer #1 |
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24 Comments
Really enjoyed this! It has been a long time since a movie had characters that I actually liked, I want more!! The only thing I’m still a little iffy on is the ending. Other than that it had great atmosphere and the third act was very tense and had some great imagery. Definitely check it out!
I’d been waiting for the VOD (Video on Demand) release of Ti West’s latest film, “The Innkeepers”, for several long months. Now, it’s finally hit that market and if you’re curious, it costs $10 to rent. However, if you don’t want to spend that money, you’re going to have to wait a few months to see the film for just a few dollars less. I probably wouldn’t have been willing to spend that money either at first – regardless of my love for the attached filmmaker – but then, West published a deeply-felt letter onto the Glass Eye Pix (the distributers) website; a write-up aimed at those who intend to pirate this film, and why they should re-consider. Without that letter, I would not be reviewing “The Innkeepers” as I am now. And I think it adds on the appreciation of the film; so if you intend on giving this one a go, please take the time to read that letter.
Now back to the movie. “The Innkeepers” is a damn fine ghost story; in more ways than one. Under West’s tight direction and smart screenplay, it’s a well-made and very scary genre picture. West understands that after his last feature – “The House of the Devil” – he’s officially made a name for himself amongst fans, and thus he must live up to his new-found reputation. And while I don’t absolutely love and obsess over “The Innkeepers” as I do with the *other* said film, this is still a considerable work of impeccable dexterity.
West seems to enjoy working with simple horror stories; and I’m totally OK with that, because so far, each one has worked in its own little way. Here, the focus is on the Yankee Pedlar Inn – which is closing down for good after many solid decades – and its two employees, Clair (Sara Paxton) and computer-geek Luke (Pat Healy).
These two young people often swap shifts each night; they clearly don’t like their jobs much, but try to make the best of it regardless. Clair and Luke don’t really share all that much in common, save for a mutual appreciation of ghosts and ghouls. When Clair discovers a ghastly legend that was made right in the very inn where they both work; they are equally intrigued and shaken.
While the two are out ghost hunting by night, two new customers decide to get a room and spend a few nights at the inn. The woman is a famous actress, Leane Reasse-Jones (Kelly McGillis); and then there is a mysterious old man (George Riddle). The former has turned in her old career for a new one; she now works a spiritual medium, complete with a crystal pendulum and a creepy aura that seems to follow her wherever she may go.
The screenplay is a little problematic for sure; it isn’t anything deep, or particularly masterful, but W est obviously put some good time into it, and I think his efforts have paid off. His characters are likable – thanks to the strength in the two leading actors and their dedication to the central performances – and the hotel is one scary labyrinth of despair. Illuminated by Jeff Grace’s remarkably atmospheric score and Eliot Rockett’s moody cinematography; this is a real treat, warts and all.
For those acquainted with West’s slow-paced stylistics; this can either be a good time or a complete drag. I know some genre die-hards who couldn’t stand “The House of the Devil”; and they’ll probably find “The Innkeepers” just as tiresome. But for those with open minds, it’s a funny, scary, well-made roller-coaster ride of horror. Once again, West shows his love for the genre and crafts a satisfying film. While, as I mentioned, it’s not as good as West’s previous effort, it’s still a good one on its own; and if you’re willing to sacrifice the money and the time, I think you’ll be pleased by your stay; because “The Innkeepers”, more or less, delivers the goods with its fair share of pizazz.
Ti West is definitely a horror director to look out for and since his first offering in the genre The Roost and then the very spooky The House Of The Devil the director seems to be growing more and more with each offering and The Innkeepers is his best yet. The attention to detail, the quiet, chilling suspense, the suffocating, creepy atmosphere and the everyday, working class characters that you relate to and get to know with its slow but never dull pace and has such restraint that when the scares do happen even when most of them are cheap they work effectively and get under your skin. The performance that I was really surprised with was Sara Paxton who is always likable in all of her films but this one I really believe is her breakout role because she showcases such growth as an actress and showed layers of emotions with this role that she has ever done before and doesn’t over do it and it flows naturally. The one element I that I also liked about this film is its quirkiness and never took itself too seriously but never made a joke of itself that blended well for the film and made it fun and enjoyable in an old fashioned way and I liked it for that and it was refreshing compared to the other horror offerings this year. The final act is the one thing that let me down and I felt that it was a bit rushed and could of played it out more and it was like this big anticipation of a twist or deeper meaning why the hauntings are happening there and why they are contacting the innkeepers, it just ends on a mysterious note with no resolution just like a real haunting if you believe in them, for me I’m still on the fence about that subject. Overall it’s more satisfying than Insidious or Paranormal Activity 3 and the simplicity of it all is something to admire and the scares are well timed and the on location atmosphere made it all the more real and honest and has a solid and lovable female lead but the thing that this film shares with the previously mentioned oother two films is that its ending isn’t as good as its build up and doesn’t quite pay off. Worth a look! 6.9 out of 10
I’m not a big fan of Ti West. I enjoyed his “Cabin Fever” sequel, but his magnum opus “The House Of The Devil” didn’t do anything for me – and I wasn’t too keen on “The Innkeepers” either (though I liked it a bit more than THOTD).
What I enjoyed: The movie takes place in an incredibly gorgeous-looking haunted ancient hotel. We get to see an amazing cast (fantastic performances from Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis and George Riddle) and some really beautiful cinematography. It’s full of witty and hilariously amusing dialogue, and the beautifully composed score is just amazing.
What I disliked: Sara Paxton – a pretty and capable actress, but her performance here is often too over-the-top and annoying.
Yet, waaay more worse is the muddled and half-assed script: entertaining in the first third, boring and tedious in the middle, lame and pretty underwhelming in the last third.
I also hate the fact how immensely West fails in creating anything scary or chilling. Every single supposed-to-be-creepy scene ends up completely boring, the few ‘jump scares’ are either too predictable or just don’t work out, and the supposed-to-be-chilling/unsettling epilogue is just blank and unnecessary.
If you wanna see a scary and old-fashioned haunted house flick, I suggest to watch “Insidious” instead.
5,5/10
http://www.horrormoviediary.net
Had a slow beginning but was still enjoyable. the makeup is sweet.
I am not going to write a super long review too many people do that no need for it. overall I feel this is MR. West best effort to date. teh build which was slow was still good. there are some good scare attempts but nothing super awesome. The beginning was a little rough the middle was perfect and the end was good but felt like it was missing something. I am not sure if he ran out of ideas or money but it just ends with way too many questions and not the good type of questions. The innkeepers is fun movie and is better the The House of the Devil. Worth the watch lets hope Mr. West gets alot bigger budget so he can really make a great horror moive we all deserve.
another good horror by Mr. West and Sara Paxton was great. she played her character perfectly. wasn’t as slow as House of the Devil, which bored me at times, but wasn’t as edge of the seat type film. still acting was great all around and the internet video set up the entire film nicely, they play out the same. but as others have stated the ending was a bit just over and left many questions. still worth the watch and had some good scares.
I didn’t like this movie and I didn’t like his last movie House of the Devil…This movie started out ok but nothing ever really happened..boring and slow, just like his last movie..
I don’t know..at the beginning I thought I was watching a Kevin Smith rip..the dialog was kind of clever until the witch got involved, she was a hoot..not believable. A lot of holes in this film..the old guy who commits suicide in the bathtub?…hell everybody but the two main actors knew that’s why he was there! And what’s with the woman and her kid?…totally unnecessary characters…I guess they felt they had to have a couple more characters besides the main two…I dunno. Some of the shocks were cool; but I’d rather watch Insidious or Cloverfield again.
This was an enjoyable movie. I liked the characters and their chemistry, plus the whole derelict atmosphere was really good. The scares were pretty good as well, but the other characters could’ve used a bit more elaborating. Everyone just felt kind of random. And last but not least, I wish film makers would finally lay off of this particular nocturne of Chopin’s.
Tapped the INSIDIOUS fear factor, which was good. Ti is very slow and deliberate and it doesnt work for some – leaving the details of the ending open, etc – I dont need everything explained for me – he leaves just the right amount open to imagination and creeped the F outa me with the rest. The old man got a little too poser in the hall – but overall this works, and my GF screamed out loud twice. HA! Good film – love Ti West – dont change a thing.
First and foremost I want to say that if you are a Ti West fan, and go into this film with a comparison or expectation of The House of the Devil… DON’T. Go into this film with zero expectations, It will help your experience. The characters are great, especially with the on screen chemistry. There are a few quick scenes that were pretty fucking scary. But overall this is a great example of what good storytelling should look like on screen. The film did what it intended too, tell a good ghost story, build some tension, and scare the ever living shit out of you when it can (if it can).
So, the exposition to the movie is great! The only problem is that the exposition is almost the whole movie. I was waiting for some amazing climax, but nothing really happens. Okay watch, but could have been improved. I will give it credit, it was very atmospheric.
Any Ti West fan will be prepared to get cozy, as nothing happens quickly in this movie. The further you get in, the more the tension builds, and the more we get to see Sara Paxton and Pat Healy establish themselves as compelling characters. Most other contemporary horror directors rely merely on a creepy story or setting to tell their tale, Ti West sets the stage just enough to let his actors fill in the rest. Pat Healy is entertaining as a college dropout who wants to make a name for himself and Sara Paxton is AWESOME as a girl who is in the time of her life where she has to decide what the rest of her life will be. There were a few plot issues that I had that prevented this movie from getting the best rating possible, but I think that this timeless ghost story will certainly gain an accepting audience. More information here:
http://thewolfmancometh.com/2012/01/12/the-innkeepers-2011/
The characters were a bit bland but that’s what I sorta liked about them they were almost too real. However I found the story to be predictable. It was still fun to watch.
If the ending wasn’t so disappointing and frustrating it could have been a fine film and made the SLOW burn (and long bouts of tedium) worth sitting through. But it drives home the point that Ti West needs to figure out how to end his movies in a more satisfactory manner, imo. Can’t expect atmosphere alone to win the day.
I enjoyed the film and it’s pace,the camera work and slight hint of menace kept me going…The ending however..ruined it for me. Low scare factor and loads of possible endings and just no kind of closure, whatsoever…..AWWWWWWwwwwwwww. Better luck net time, Ti! Glad this was a free watch.
absolute waste of time… 3 scares here and there and thats about it… stupid little movie.
Although a fan of Ti West’s previous work, I must say that I was fairly disappointed with the Innkeepers.
While still being a small film, filled with interesting characters, an interesting setting and a slow build, everything about the third act failed for me.
Sara Paxton is a vision as a cute, aimless slacker who is just looking for something to do with her life and has decided to help her co-worker investigate the Inn’s supposed haunted activity. Paxton portrays this aimless youth with polish, making her likable and certainly relatable in our current economic climate.
Sadly there are simply no scares to be found here. There were a few moments where I thought I would jump and it seemed like the scare was pulled back at the last minute. Often I felt like the most interesting things happening to the characters were happening off-frame, in their line of sight, but not the viewer’s sight line.
I found the ending mostly sad and not really rewarding. Even the few moments when it looked like we would see more paranormal activity we were robbed of anything worth seeing. While not as bad as the remake of the Haunting or House on Haunted Hill, the Innkeepers rates as disappointing for what it promised and failed to deliver.
This was a really good movie that’s all i have to say watch it
When you’re an hour and 15 minutes into an hour and forty minute movie, and NOTHING has happened… you know you’re in trouble. Pointless.
this is good. good as a goose.
Comment
I generally thought that this movie was good, but it definitely could have been better. I thought there could have been more scary scenes, more closure at the end, and generally more to it because I felt the whole movie was leading up to something that didn’t happen.
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This is Writer/ Director Ti West’s follow up to the 2010 sleeper hit “House of the Devil”. His filmmaking style is very apparent in “The Innkeepers”. He is know for his slow burn style of horror that, like a lot of Hitchcock classics, relies on strong characters and story rather that intense blood and gore.
Sara Paxton and Pat Healy play Claire and Luke the two employees working the last weekend of the closing Yankee Pedlar Inn. They are both pretty geeky but real and highly relatable. They are good friends and just trying to get through the weekend as there are only a few guests. You really get to know and Claire and Luke and feel that they could be your friends. So when things start to happen you actually fear for their safety, rather than cheering for their death.
Luke is an amateur paranormal investigator and the Pedlar has long thought to be haunted by the ghost of Madeline O’Malley who was murdered there in the early 1900s. Claire is cute and dorky and at times acts like a ten year old which is not annoying but makes her a more sympathetic character. She also uses an inhaler for her asthma which comes into play a few times. One of the final guest to arrive is a former television star and current psychic healer Leanne Rease-Jones (played by Kelly McGillis). Claire is a big fan of hers and connects with her in a number of ways. The last guest is an old man coming to stay one more night in the honeymoon suite that he and his deceased wife stayed in many years ago. He is a very creepy and mysterious old man who has bigger plans in store for himself.
The movie is dialogue driven and moves at a pretty slow pace which could irritate some people expecting an action packed blood bath. The movies relies a lot on a suspenseful atmosphere to reach an emotionally rich climax. There are still a bunch of scares and disturbing images most of which are quite effective and well earned. The films musical score also really help to build the suspense as well as the camerawork. But it really comes down to the characters and the acting which is pretty damn good even for a horror movie. I would suggest buying the DVD or Blu-Ray as it has 2 commentary tracks and other special features.
The Ultimate Movie Review! – http://tss5078.blogspot.com – @tss5078 – I was looking for a good horror movie, that fell under the radar, to promote for halloween, and I was told that the Innkeepers was that film, but it wasn’t. This film is so clique, stealing almost everything from other films of the same genre. They had the nerve to give this movie an R rating and call it the must see horror movie of the year, but truthfully, its slightly more scary than a Disney movie! An old hotel is going out of business and the two remaining employees decide to investigate the long history of ghost sightings at the establishment. There are only a couple guests, giving them the perfect opportunity to investigate. The only thing this film uses in order to frighten you is random things jumping out at you, which most of the time aren’t what you expect them to be. There is also a creepy old woman staying there who can talk to the spirits and predict the future, but if that isn’t bad enough, there is of course the investigations themselves. Using nothing but a shitty old tape recorder, they go looking for EVPs, using every phrase and question they could steal from Ghost Hunters. Yeah, the Innkeepers really is that ridiculous and the only really shocking thing about this movie is that someone actually gave it an R rating! Was the MPAA associate a little girl or elderly woman, because honestly, Monster House was scarier than this thing was.