By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Prior to watching, I had heard mixed reviews on THE INNKEEPERS (2011). Some labeled it an unfunny horror comedy with few scares. Others and mostly fans of “House of the Devil,” remarked positively on both the humor and the fear elicited.
Personally, I was a fan of “House of the Devil.” Admittedly, it was not original but there were moments of genuine tension, the cast was great, and the storyline was interesting. It stayed true to its desire of playing out the way a 70s horror film did.
THE INNKEEPERS is quite different and I would go as far to say that it is superior to “House of the Devil.” First, though the story of a haunted Inn is far from groundbreaking, the movie had a spark of originality both in the character portrayal and the execution of its plot.
Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) work at Yankee Pedlar Inn which is in its final night of being open. Over the years, many have claimed to see a ghost within its confines. Luke and Claire both have seen strange occurences so much so that Luke hosts a website about it which Claire helps with. Fully equipped with meters that check electrical waves, they begin their hunt.
At first, it’s all fun and games. Claire researches the ghost of Yankee Pedlar who was a woman wronged on her wedding day and is now seen by the guests in her gown. As Luke rests, Claire starts her investigation and follows her meter into the main foyer where the piano sits. By itself, two keys are pressed down which causes her to run out of the room.
Leanne (Kelly McGillis), a middle age actress who was staying at the Inn, informs Claire that she has a spiritual ability. She takes out a crystal on a chain and begins asking questions. Fear overwhelms her and she tells Claire that she mustn’t go in the basement. Claire defies her and drags Luke along only to regret she had.
Meanwhile, an old man (George Riddle) stops by the Inn to rent a room. When Luke attempts to put him into a different suite, the man insists on taking room 323. Claire doesn’t see the harm and allows him to.
Though some may say the pace of the movie is slow and the scares are few and far between, the story that is built can easily capture the audience. The film itself makes fun of the cheap scares right from the get-go, with Luke showing a youtube video of a monster jumping out of nowhere to Claire. What THE INNKEEPERS does is build solid and interesting characters. Claire is hilariously unique however the movie is not a comedy. It’s dark and there are moments that send chills.
I would definitely suggest THE INNKEEPERS for a lazy Sunday afternoon. It’s great watching and has a surprising ending. It isn’t the M Night Shyamalan style twist, but just something that as an audience you won’t see coming.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10
