1408 (2007)

Synopsis: Michael Enslin (John Cusack) is a brilliant writer who, instead of writing real books, goes around the country and explores "haunted" hotels. He's a pro but he has never found a paranormal experience. That is, until he gets a strange postcard telling not to go into 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York. Upon further inspection, he discovers that this hotel room has been the host for over 20 suicides in the last 50 something years. Well! So what does he naturally do? Go stay in it, of course! The only problem is that the room is off limits and the manager, Mr Olin (Samual L.) insists that he not stay in there. But Enslin insists right back and eventually gets the keys. Once he's in there, the legend says that no one has survived over an hour. And yup, once he's in there, he can't get out, the room owns him and takes us along for the ride.

Should You Watch It? If you're a girl who insist that you like watching horror movies but not really but want to prove to some guy that you like horror movies and are totally not scared, then this is a movie for you! This is a horror movie lite as the scare scenes are predictable even though they are well constructed. The best part of the film isn't the scary parts, which is bad for a horror film, but it's actually Enslin's past that the room uses to torture him for the hour. His arc as he overcomes his past and the room is the most rewarding part of the film which can be a blessing or a curse depending on the audience.

Things to Watch Out For: Obviously, I'm not going to tell you the scare scenes cause well, that's stupid. But it is important for the audience to follow Enslin's progression through the movie as he changes the way he looks at the world and his decisions in the end. It might be a bit tough to focus and follow a character develop with a whole bunch of shit going on in the room but if you try you'll be rewarded.

Things You Don't Expect: In addition to the movie not being scary, there really isn't much else that's not expected. Right near the end of the second act was a very confusing part for me and it took me a while to understand the point of it. The room is evil and it owns you and it'll never let you go. The theme is pretty nice as well as it's all about burning your past to save your future. It's old but a classic nonetheless.

Final Comments:
Story: 7.0 (Stephen King: short story. Matt Greenberg, Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander: screen play.)
Direction: 7.0 (Mikael Hafstrom)
Acting: 8.4
Cinematography: 8.2
Music/Sound: 6.5

Final Score: 7.2