Main Page
Alphabetical Menu
Chronological Menu
The "#0-9" Menu
Release Date: June 22nd, 2007 by The Weinstein Company. The Cast: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Jasmine Jessica Anthony. Directed by Mikael Håfström. BASIC PREMISE: Mike (Cusack), a writer, checks into room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel where he supernatural experiences. Based on the short story by Stephen King. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 1408 may not be as surprising as The Sixth Sense, but at least it has enough thrills and chills to keep you thoroughly engaged. John Cusack plays Mike Enslin, a writer who travels the country trying to disprove any supernatural activity, but hasn’t had any real challenges—yet. When he finds out that room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel has been known to be haunted, he departs from his wife (McCormack) to visit that special room. The hotel manager (Jackson) warns him that no guest has been able to be alive in that room for over an hour and that 56 deaths have occurred there, but that doesn’t deter Mike. Little does he know that, once he enters the room, he’ll have his first experience with the supernatural. Co-screenwriters Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski gradually increase the tension by having Mike go through many different kinds of spooky supernatural experiences while eventually blurring the line between reality and fantasy for both him and the audience. Some scenes feel rather mind-boggling, but it’s interesting how the plot incorporates the relationship between Mike and his father as well as his deceased daughter. Fortunately, there aren’t any unintentionally funny scenes. Director Mikael Håfström does a great job of adding plenty of chills and thrills through cinematography, set design, musical score and the nifty special effects. It would have been nice if Mike were to interact more with the hotel manager, who seems like a very enigmatic, yet underdeveloped character, but at least John Cusack impressively performs his leading role with utter conviction and keeps you at the edge of your seat. SPIRITUAL VALUE: None is required or desired. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None, as long as you suspend your disbelief. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0 IN A NUTSHELL: Atmospheric and smart with plenty of chills and thrills. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater Main Page Alphabetical Menu Chronological Menu The "#0-9" Menu ______________________________________________________ |
The NYC Movie Guru
themovieguru101@yahoo.com
Privacy Policy