1408 (2007)
Weinstein Co./Genius
R1 / NTSC DVD
Director: Mikael Håfström
Writer: Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski & Stephen King
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, John Cusack, Tony Shalhoub & Mary McCormack
Review by Annie Riordan

Mike Enslin is the cynical and somewhat arrogant author of such bestselling books as “10 Haunted Lighthouses” and “10 Haunted Cemeteries.” Currently at work upon his latest book “10 Haunted Hotels” Mike receives a mysterious postcard, warning him not to check into Room 1408 at New York City’s historic Dolphin Hotel. Mike bullies his way past the warnings of the hotel manager and checks into 1408, armed with all of his ghost hunting equipment, ready to debunk the place. But Room 1408 isn’t just haunted, it’s totally evil, and as the night wears on, Mike finds himself plunged into a seemingly neverending nightmare which threatens both his sanity and his life.

The static-y ghosts aren’t particularly scary, but the movie thankfully concentrates on Mike’s crumbling sanity and past traumas. John Cusack is marvelous as the assholish but totally likable Mike, whose transformation from jaded jerk to emotional wreck is amazing. Best moments include a bleeding wall, a freaky chase through an air duct system and a scene with Mike’s deceased daughter which will bring tears to even the most hardened cynics eye.

• Screen format: Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) / Color
• Audio: English
• Subtitles: Spanish
• Running time: 94 mins.

• Commentary by director Mikael Hafstrom and writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski
• Deleted Scenes (5)
• The Secrets of 1408 - A Behind-the-Scenes Look
• John Cusack on 1408 webisode
• Inside Room 1408 webisode
• Theatrical trailer

If you’re like me, and I know I am, you’ll agree that the screen adaptations of King’s stories are either very good or very, very bad. This is one of the better ones. It differs greatly from the original short story, but expands on the basic premise and adds some much needed emotional depth. This isn’t just another brainless jump-scare flick. There’s no naked girls, no sex, very little blood and a cast of real people who look like they left high school behind long ago. It’s a dialogue driven, mindfucking journey through one man’s mental labyrinth, and it’s a damn good one. Worth watching for Cusack alone.

“A ghost story with substance. 1408 is an exhilarating haunted house ride!”