1408
By Jason Revill
When it comes to Stephen King I never have been a big fan of his books. It’s not what you think, I’m pretty sure that I would enjoy them, but when I was a kid I got out my Mom’s copy of The Shining and it scared me so bad that I not only put it down, but I have refused to read anything even remotely scary since then. That being said, I love horror movies and am pretty much a junkie for King’s movies and especially his TV mini-series. What can I say? I was a teen when It, The Tommyknockers, and The Stand originally aired. Not to mention Salem’s Lot is still one of the creepiest movies ever and I have no problem spending a Saturday afternoon watching Storm of the Century when it comes on the Sci-Fi Channel.
After the death of his daughter Mike Enslin (John Cusack), quit writing novels and instead writing travel guides that focus on haunted hotels around the country. He goes from hotel to hotel debunking their paranormal activity, but really he’s on a personal quest to find out if there’s any evidence of an afterlife. After receiving a mysterious letter warning him about room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel, Enslin decides to check in. When he gets there Hotel Manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson) does everything in his power to convince him to not stay in the room. Enslin assumes that all the stories and Olin’s pleading are just an elaborate rouse to protect the hotels ghostly mystique, but only by staying the night in 1408 will Mike Enslin know for sure.
When you have a movie that is basically one character trapped in a room alone, the person playing that character better be up to the task of carry the weight. Luckily, with his everyman likeability and his general smart ass nature, John Cusack is up for the job. He appeals to pretty much everybody, but at the same time he is able to pull of just enough brooding to allow the audience to relate. Cusack may be the star of this movie, but don’t underestimate Samuel L. Jackson. We all love Jules in Pulp Fiction, but I prefer Samuel L. when he’s intense and low key like he is here. It may not be a big part, but it’s done well and reminds me of what I think is his best work Unbreakable.
During a time in film history where torture porn is now what is considered the litmus test for whether or not something is scary it is nice to see something that is not only different, but provides genuine creeps instead of just trying to be loud and shocking while shaking the camera. Am I the only one that kind of stuff has the exact opposite effect on? I’m looking at you Wolf Creek. Here’s why 1408 succeeds where your Saw clones fail, there is an actual build up of tension and Mike Enslin is an actual developed character, rather than just meat for the grinder. It does that while giving us some visuals that are pretty interesting and creating a real sense of dread.
I will admit that not all of the twists pay off, but the ultimately the ending is completely satisfying. The other thing is that you can definitely tell that the source material was a short story, since some things seem a little thin. Overall 1408 probably would have been best served as an episode of Nightmares & Dreamscapes or Masters of Horror. That being said, it’s nice to actually see not only a good ghost story, but a horror movie that is actually creepy.
The Grade
- Story: B
- Acting: B+
- Visuals: B+
- Originality: B-
- Enjoyability: B
- Overall: B
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