Robert's Review

Based on the Stephen King's short story of the same name, "1408" is the story of Mike Enslin (John Cusack), author of two hit books focusing on supernatural and paranormal phenomena. As research for his latest book, he is determined to check out the notorious room 1408 in New York City's Dolphin Hotel, by staying as a guest in the fabled room for a night. In his research, he's found that numerous guests have died in 1408 over the years, but he thinks most of those stories are just rumors, spread to make the hotel a bit more popular. When he arrives, the hotel manager, Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson), is adamant about trying to dissuade Mike from staying in that room – he says nobody has lasted more than an hour in 1408 without something bad happening. But Mike is all but determined and gets his way… and soon he's in way over his head and having the most terrifying experience of his life; coming face to face with the paranormal... and it wants him dead. 

"1408" is a magnificent piece of horror. John Cusack delivers a strong performance and carries the movie with ease and finesse. He's such an excellent actor and pairing him up with Samuel L. Jackson was a great decision. The story was terrifying and brilliant done, the evil room had me guessing the whole time about what as going to happen next, and I was totally engrossed from beginning to end. There was even some unexpected and very witty humor thrown in… i.e. the "express checkout" scene. I LOVED that line, it was so brilliantly witty. Overall, if you're looking for a thrilling horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then "1408" is well worth the admission price. I'd love to see it again soon. 

All in all, I'd give this movie 4.5 Evil Rooms (out of 5). Re-watch value: HIGH

Renowned horror novelist Mike Enslin (John Cusack) believes only in what he can see with his own two eyes. But after a string of best-sellers discrediting paranormal events in the most infamous haunted houses and graveyards around the world, he has no real proof of life--afterlife. But Enslin's phantom-free run of long and lonely nights is about to change forever when he checks into suite 1408 of the notorious Dolphin Hotel for his latest project, "Ten Nights in Haunted Hotel Rooms." Defying the warnings of the hotel manager, the author is the first person in years to stay in the reputedly haunted room. Another best-seller may be imminent, but first he must go from skeptic to true believer--and ultimately survive the night. 

I was truly impressed with this movie with one exception, before I even walked into the movie I figured out that 1408 added together equals 13 and something told me that they were gonna use that in the movie….what I didn't realize was it was going to be in the first 10 minutes LOL. Ok so other than that the movie was very entertaining, it made me jump in the right spots and had a good story.  The development of the story along the plot line was excellent, and I really got caught up in the story as it unfolded.  It was good to see John Cusack come back and do some good stuff (remember the 80's LOL.)  Of course I have to mention Samuel L. Jackson as if I need to say anything.  Hope everyone enjoys the movies this weekend!!

Overall Rating: 4 Nightmares out of 5 Re-Watch Value: High (Yes another DVD purchase.)

Trivia: (1) Stephen King's initial inspiration for this short story came from a collection of real-life news stories about Parapsychologist, Christopher Chacon's investigation of a notoriously haunted room at the famous Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, California. (2) The story this film was based on was almost never written. Stephen King originally created the first few pages of '1408' for his nonfiction book, "On Writing," as an example of how to revise a first draft. The story, however, intrigued him, and he wound up not only finishing a complete draft, but adapting it for an audio-book compilation of short stories.

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