Ty West's follow up to his superb 80s horror homage, The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers is a horror film in its hokey premise only. Rather it's a thinly disguised twenty-something mac-job romance between a cute Claire (Sarah Paxton) and dweeby amateur paranomal expert Luke (Pat Healy). For three days, the two are taking care of Yankee Pedlar Inn, a quaint three story establishment in the process of going out of business while the owner is kicking sand in Barbados. Other than a couple of quacks, the place is almost empty. It is quite visible that Luke's secret crush on aimless, restless Claire. West's talent as a writer sparkles in their effortless witty, silly exchanges. Their drunk on Schlitz confession session is so accurate and charming, that alone is worth the ticket price. Horror element is secondary and not so groundbreaking. I'm eagerly looking forward to his next project.
