Review: 1408 (2007)

John Cusack stars as Mike Enslin, a burned out paranormal author who has spent years chasing "spooks," and, "haunts." At the start of the film, he is thoroughly indifferent from chasing rumors and stories. He has traveled extensively across the nation staying at reputably, "haunted," locations only to be disappointed.

He receives a postcard from a small, but posh hotel in New York. The fateful message on the card states, "Don't go in room 1408." This piques Enslin's curiosity and he attempts to book the room at the hotel. The manager, Gerald Olin (played by Jackson), repeatedly refuses his request to stay in the room.

Enslin pulls some strings at his publisher and finds a way to get into the room. He checks in and Jackson summons him to his office. Enslin finds his research is inferior and he doesn't have half the story on the room. Olin reveals that only a fraction of the activity in the room has ever made it to the media.

Despite this solid proof, Enslin doggedly remains true to his intent. He is going to stay in the room, regardless.

Olin begs him repeatedly to avoid it and tempts him with a variety of high-end luxuries, but Enslin will not be swayed.

Enslin checks into the room and immediately things begin to happen. The room plays with him in many horrific ways and Enslin finds that not all locations are as tame as those he'd experienced.

The movie has a great ending and viewers should appreciate the obvious hard work placed into its creation. The writers stayed true to King's story, but embellished the story in wonderful ways.

This is one rare occasion where the movie was better than the short story. Bravo to all who helped create it.

Ghoulish Details:

Excellent production, editing, and writing. Cusack and Jackson do tremendous jobs in portraying their respective characters. Fans of King's work will appreciate how the story not only respects the original, it helps it.

Trivia:

• Movie is based upon the short story "1408" by Stephen King.
  
• Cusack has played in other great films as "Identity," and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
  
• Jackson played in many films as the latest Star Wars trilogy, "Snakes on a Plane," "Kill Bill (Volume 2)," and, "Unbreakable."

Ghoulish Rating:6 (out of 6)