Non-Spoiler Review

Well now! After the disaster that was Fantastic Four II last Friday, I cut out of work early yesterday to view this puppy...and, in the end, the payoff is there.

1408 is based on same-titled short story by Horror Emperor Stephen King. Starring John Cusack as “Mike Enslin” - a skeptical divorced middle-aged author, it is the fast-paced tale of a man who finds himself trapped within the confines of a presumed “weird” hotel room, while researching the latest in a string of smarmy non-fiction opuses on haunted establishments.

1408 is directed by Mikael Hafstrom and written by Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander, and Larry Karaszewski.

The early highlight of the film is Mike's confrontation with Samuel L. Jackson’s wonderfully performed Hotel Manager, who lays out 1408’s expository prologue with style, relish, and creepy gravitas.

After that, Mike’s hotel room stay becomes not only a journey into the mystery that is 1408, but an examination of his own soul...and his own demons.

Yes, at times the themes and visuals in this flick touch upon familiar ground...a couple of old Twilight Zone episodes spring to mind, a season one episode of Star Trek The Next Generation, and, of course, King’s own “The Shining.” However, I found that these nit-pics are more than made up for by 1408 walking its own path, separate from the recent maze of splatter-punk and torture-porn R-rated films that have filled the big screen slate of late.

Ultimately, it is the strengh of Cusack’s acting that makes this flick work so well. It is really a one-man show. This thespian, stuck inside a large amount of screen time, all by himself, sinks his claws into our interest (as viewers), and never lets go.

I give this movie, four out of five cans of diet cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper.

Mike out

I checked trailer on Apple-Movie-Trailers site. Looking good. Thanks for non-spoiler review, Mike. I'll go to see it.

Liked the short story and look forward to the movie. Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the heads-up, Mike. Will watch it on Tuesday. After Hostel 2, I could use some real horror.

AC

P.S. Besides the horror of the price of popcorn these days. Shivers.

Ultimately, it is the strengh of Cusack’s acting that makes this flick work so well. It is really a one-man show. This thespian, stuck inside a large amount of screen time, all by himself, sinks his claws into our interest (as viewers), and never lets go.

I give this movie, four out of five cans of diet cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper.

Mike out

I saw it last night and only give it three, mainly based on Cusack's performance and the creepy, paranoia created in the first half of the movie. I thought the revelation of his personal dilemma kind of mired an otherwise excellent film down.

Sorry to bring back a dead thread but just got through watching 1408 on dvd. I'd have to say it was a damn good movie and give it a 10 out of 10. One of the better King movies that put it on up with It, The Langoliers, and The Shining (imo). It was more of a psychological horror then straight out horror. So if you're in to that type of stuff it's a very good watch.

I watched 1408 last week and I really enjoyed it. About halfway through, it struck me just how much John Cusack was carrying the film. I was very impressed.

Rented 1408 over the weekend, it was good, but not really a horror film. Creepy, yes, but not so much horror. I agree that Cusack was excellent, but I think most of his films he is. It strikes me as one of those films that if you re-watched (is that a word?) it you could pick up other little bits and pieces. BTW, who was the ghost(?) with the hammer that attacked him? I can't quite figure that out.

Bought it last week but have been waiting for an evening the (hmm, wait a sec, what is he to me anyway? BF? yeah, we'll go with that for now...) BF and I can get our schedules to mesh for a couple of hours to watch it together.
Love John Cusack, seen just about everything he's ever been in, phenomenal actor with great range.

I am really looking forward to watching this one, so appreciated the NON-SPOILER review, though I must admit I skipped reading any of the other replies jst incase someone let something slip.

The set-up to this film reminds me a lot of the bit in the Shining where they are warned to stay out of a certain room in the hotel.