Movies / Movie Reviews

1408 Review

By Tony Farinella
June 23, 2007 - 03:27

I'll be the first to admit that I was not looking forward to watching 1408.  The film just looked extremely silly from the trailer.  I noticed John Cusack overacting and running around like a madman.  The trailer made me laugh for all the wrong reasons.  I thought it was your typical PG-13 ghost-story movie.  Plus, it's hard to take John Cusack seriously in non-comedic movies.  I can't help but smile when I see John Cusack.  He's forever Lloyd Dobler in my eyes.  Cusack has been out of the loop lately with some of his movies. He had a rough 2005 with films such as Must Love Dogs and The Ice Harvest.  Even though I enjoyed Must Love Dogs (I'm a romantic at heart), the film didn't break any new ground.  As far as The Ice Harvest, it was a major flop.  The film even wasted the very sexy Connie Nielsen.  Thankfully, I'm glad to report that John Cusack is alive and well in 1408.  He's actually quite good in the film.  It's probably one of his best performances in quite a while.  I might even go so far as to say it's one of the best performances of his career.

Before I go into my review of the film, I'd like to make note of a few things.  These are things that should be common knowledge.  These are also things that I'm sure you've heard many times before from other people.  Nevertheless, it seems like people just don't get it.  I'm probably preaching to the choir, but I need to speak my mind!  Why can't believe behave during horror films?  Why must they act like fools?  I don't mind people having a little fun, but there's such a thing as being over the top.  First and foremost, I hate when people laugh during inappropriate scenes.  What's so funny about crying and death?  It's apparently hilarious to certain people.  Also, why must you scream during every scene?  It's a horror film for god's sake.  I understand you're going to get worked up and scared, but there's no need to jump every five minutes and bring the movie to a dead halt with your annoying voice.  If you don't know what to expect from a horror film, you should probably stay home.  The film is rated PG-13!  Just enjoy the film and be scared without causing a scene. I'd hate to see this crowd during a film like Hostel Part 2.  They would probably have a heart attack or something.

Moving on, 1408 opens up following Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a writer who specializes in debunking paranormal occurrences.  He spends most of his time traveling from town-to-town in order to do research for his books.  Mike Enslin is not exactly successful in his career.  When he shows up to promote his book at a local book store, only four people show up.  He also has a cheesy catchphrase.  He tells people to "stay scared."  Cusack does all of this with his usual slacker wit and charm.  He's about as enthusiastic as a guy getting a vasectomy.  A young fan asks Mr. Enslin about one of his previous books, which was a story about a cruddy father.  She asks him if the story is based on anyone or anything.  Enslin ponders her question for a second or two, and he hesitatingly states "No."  Hmm.  After Mr. Enslin leaves his "successful" book signing, he decides to pick up his mail.  When he goes to pick up his mail, he enters the mail room wearing a hat and sunglasses.  He's worried that he might be recognized by some of his adoring "fans."  Yeah right.  Upon reading his mail, he notices a postcard that tells him to stay out of Room 1408.



Enslin chuckles upon reading this letter and decides to check out The Dolphin Hotel and Room 1408. Upon entering the hotel, he's met by Gerald Olin, who's played by Samuel L. Jackson.  He does his best to inform Enslin about the dangers of Room 1408.  He even offers him some booze and Knick tickets.  I should mention that it's very nice to see Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack in a scene together.  They really have a lot of fun going back-and-forth with each other.  Since Enslin is one stubborn SOB, Olin is left with no choice but to give him the key to the room.  You can't say he didn't warn him!  At first, Enslin doesn't see anything wrong with the room.  He doesn't seem all that worried about the history that surrounds this room.  Many have entered Room 1408, but not many have lived to tell about it.  Most have died in horrific fashion.  While at first things seem fairly normal, it doesn't take long for Enslin to notice some strange things in Room 1408.  The alarm clock plays the Carpenters for one thing.

Is Mike Enslin losing his mind?  Is Room 1408 really haunted?  Just what exactly is going on?

1408 works for two reasons and two reasons only.  First and foremost, John Cusack's performance.  1408 is really a one-man-show.  Cusack spends over an hour in this room by himself.  He doesn't have anyone to tag out to or anything.  He's stuck in this movie by himself.  He's also asked to go through a lot of emotions.  1408 wants him to be funny, scared, confused, and sometimes wise.  Cusack handles all of it.  The man really puts himself out there in this movie.  I really admired his performance.  This looks like a film that was quite exhausting to make.  The film also works because it keeps us guessing.  1408 really pulls out all the stops.  I couldn't believe some of the stuff they did in this movie.  They truly use everything.  They use imagery, sound, music, weather, and heights to scare you.  This is an extremely-well made film.  The film really got to me and got under my skin.  It irritated me.  Yes, that's a good thing.  I think 1408 is a film that should be seen with an audience on a big screen with big speakers. I just hope you get a well-behaved audience.  Still, this is a film worth seeing at the theater.  It really adds to the whole experience.

1408 also has about five endings.  I'm still not exactly sure how the film ended.  That being said, I didn't mind being confused by the ending.  I think it enhanced my appreciation of 1408.  It's frustrating when films try to explain things to you with a series of flashbacks.  Sometimes it's okay to be confused.  In the end, 1408 is quite a trippy movie-going experience.  The film really gets inside your head.  While I enjoy a good R-rated horror film, there's nothing wrong with a well-made PG-13 horror film.  You just need good suspense and good actors.  Cusack is the man in 1408.  You really get behind his character.  You're also not exactly sure what's up with him.  There's more than meets the eye with his character.  He's a tortured human being with a lot of baggage.  Cusack doesn't try to turn the guy into a hero.  He simply makes the character real and authentic.  If you're looking for something different, I think you'll have a great time with 1408.  It's a film that you'll be talking about with your buddy on the way home.  Samuel L. Jackson was right about Room 1408.  I think I'll take the Knick tickets next time.

Rating: B

Rating: B / 10

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51