No Vacancy

Rating:
Summary: Caveat Emptor!
Review: Christina Ricci is such a fine actress that even in a superficial, pointless film like No Vacancy she is worth watching. There is something so impish and deceptively unassuming about her screen presence that the total lack of plot and character development in this bit of fluff is unable to stifle her creative fires. That said, I would suggest avoiding No Vacancy (the title refers to the occupancy status of the Hollywood motel where all the action takes place) as it has few other redeeming qualities. Tedious and annoying, the storyline is comprised of a series of uninspired skits desperately edited at a frenetic pace in an attempt, one might think, to distract the viewer from their inherent lack of cohesiveness or meaning. Why so many talented actors commited themselves to such an unpromising project is beyond my understanding. Perhaps the script worked better as text but failed to translate well onto the screen? I know that negative reviews are rarely appreciated on this website but I felt a need to contribute my thoughts as a service to others who might be tempted by this film. Don't waste your time.

Rating:
Summary: Great comedy -- some outrageously funny scenes.
Review: This is the funniest movie I have seen in a long time. Great cast, great performances. It's an ensemble piece that cuts back and forth between the stories. All the storylines are funny and touching and romantic on their own, but the movie really works when they all start coming together. Ricci and Olyphant are great together -- very sexy (as is Patricia Velasquez :)). Robert Wagner is hilarious in his cameo. Have to say a particular hats off to Steven Schub who is absolutely out of his mind -- in a good way -- in a couple of scenes. Funny dialogue. A great romp. Will leave you in a great mood.