I had a lot of anticipation for “The Innkeepers.” Ti West has such a knack for building tension in his films. He’s definitely a fan of the slow-burn style of film, but while "The Innkeepers" is a fun, nostalgic homage to the classic horror movies of the 80's, the ending just doesn't have the same punch as its predecessors.
“The Innkeepers” is definitely your typical ghost story. As the Yankee Pedlar Inn is only days away from closing its doors forever, Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) decide that this is their last chance to debunk the rumors that the inn is haunted. Bound and determined, the two low-rent ghost hunters attempt to make contact with the spirit of a scorned woman named Madeline O’Maley. Unfortunately, Madeline wants more than the two are willing to give.
West has shown that he has an amazing talent for creating tension thick enough to cut with a knife. The way he masterfully moves the camera around with the characters and uses different angles helps create a great atmosphere, but the finale undoes all of the hard work of the first act. It isn’t that ending is horrible; it just isn't the ending that viewers deserve.
Paxton does a great job in her role. She brings spunk, yet vulnerability, to Claire, and Healy is great as the ghost-hunter wannabe. Their chemistry together is quite great. Kelly McGillis, yes the Kelly McGillis makes a cameo, as the obligatory stranger who just so happens to be able to contact the other world.
“The Innkeepers” is a fun, albeit disappointing, ghost story. If you are bored one evening and are itching to order something On Demand, then I would suggest throwing a few coins West’s way. Otherwise, I would probably wait until a friend brings it over or it premieres on basic cable.
The Blu-ray includes commentary from West and company, the film’s trailer and a behind-the-scenes featurette.
Film: 2.5 Yaps Extras: 3.5 Yaps