Vacancy 2: The First Cut (2009) (V)

User Rating:

4.8/10   

Director:

Eric Bross

Writers (WGA):

Mark L. Smith (written by)
Mark L. Smith (characters)

Release Date:

20 January 2009 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

If the camera starts filming, you are dead

Plot:

Three young people check into the Meadow View Inn for a night's rest, fully unaware of the inn's sick-minded employees and their nefarious intentions.

Plot Keywords:

Videotape | Room 6 | Best Friend | Motel | Driving At Night

Cast

Agnes Bruckner	...	Jessica
David Moscow	...	Gordon
Scott G. Anderson	...	Smith
Arjay Smith	...	Tanner
Trevor Wright	...	Caleb
Beau Billingslea	...	Otis
Brian Klugman	...	Reece
Juanita Jennings	...	Doris
Nelson Lee	...	Groom
Gwendoline Yeo	...	Bride
Judy Durning	...	Wife
David Shackelford	...	Truck Driver
Lola Davidson	...	Woman
Don Oscar Smith	...	Man
Joe Reegan	...	Jack

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence and terror, language and some sexual content.

Runtime:

86 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

USA:R | Australia:MA | Netherlands:16 | Singapore:M18 | Argentina:16 | UK:18 | Norway:15 | South Korea:18 | New Zealand:R16 | France:-12 | Italy:VM14 (original rating) | Italy:VM18 (tv rating) | Finland:K-18 (self applied)

Company:

Stage 6 Films

Trivia:

When driving up to the motel there is a sign that has a branch obscuring the sign and making it read "cheap Bates" - a nod to the original slasher motel, the Bates Motel from Psycho (1960).

Goofs:

Continuity: After Caleb, Tanner and Jessica check into the motel, a scene shows the "no" part of the neon light coming on, but later on when the older couple arrive at the motel, the light is off again.

Quotes:

Otis: [Doris has let two strangers in need of help - Tanner and Jessica - into the house] Doris, what the hell are you doing?
Doris: Jesus would let these two in here.
Otis: Yeah, but he knows if they slit his throat he'll be back in three days!
Doris: Otis, that is blasphemy,
Otis: And this here is crazy.

Movie Connections:

References Psycho (1960)

Better than expected

I was really surprised by this one. As far as direct to DVD films go, this one's much better than average. It has pretty good acting and production values. I'd say it's comparable in quality to Joy Ride 2, if you've had a chance to catch that one.

Since it's a prequel, the conclusion is mostly foregone, but the writers did offer up a few nice twists that keeps this from being a waste of time.

Not a lot of gore. It (thankfully) skips most of the torture porn conventions, and mostly offers up a nice companion piece to the first movie. If you liked the original Vacancy, give this one a chance.