The Innkeepers (2011)

Director: Ti West

Starring: Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis

During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel’s haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.

I have mixed feelings about the film. There’s so much potential here, but I feel it wasn’t utilized properly and not enough scares – not until the film’s final moments at least, when all hell breaks loose.

I had issues with the choice of actors, who didn’t seem strong enough for this film. Luke was a very dull character and equally dull acted by Pat Healy. I didn’t really take him seriously. Another issue, for me, was the dialogue. The characters did and said the strangest things at the most inappropriate times. The film was also a bit slow.

The final act is much better paced, with some really creepy visuals and some genuine scares. The film sort of redeems itself during these final moments, and also has an unexpected ending, which I rather enjoyed instead of having a predictable ending. The film’s score was very good, and the film deservedly won an award for Best Score.