Movie Review: 1408

After picking up the title 1408 earlier, the wife, my eldest son, and I finally cracked it open and watched it last night.  For those who aren't aware, I'm a fairly big movie buff, with a sizable DVD collection that I started building some 12 years ago (and now, at last count, approaching 400 titles).  The way I look at it, with the decent home theater I have, it's a hell of a lot cheeper to buy a DVD and watch it at the house than try to get to the theater.  But, that's the topic for another blog...

I'm not too big of a fan of John Cusack, but he has his time.  Earlier with Better Off Dead, and more recently with Runaway Jury, he showed some solid acting ability.  Fortunately, he pulls through again with the psychological thriller in 1408.  Supported by Samuel L. Jackson in a small roll, John Cusack plays an author that makes a living visiting, and subsequently writing reviews on paranormal 'hot spot' tourist attractions - mostly in the way of haunted houses and hotels.  The character he plays is very cynical, and has a past that haunts him throughout the movie (first figuratively, and then literally).  Following a check of the mail, he receives a postcard from a hotel in New York City, with a simple message:  Do not stay in 1408.  Of course, that intrigues him and leads him to follow up on the dare like all good boys do.

The following mindscrew rivals The Shining in its presentation (although I found the pacing to be a bit quick and forced) and numerous twists thrown at you.  The setting, as you would expect, is rather limited, but still varies enough to keep you interested.  There are many places in the movie I found myself second guessing what was going to happen next, and then be wrong to one degree or another - a good mark for a thriller in my book.  The sound was decent, with good use of the surround sound at different points in the movie.  The only place the movie falls short is the development of the characters - however, that is primarily because for the vast majority of the film, there is only one character.  Either way, it's forgivable and doesn't detract from the movie to any significant level.

While 1408 certainly won't find itself winning any awards on the red carpet when the time comes, it was a fun little romp - especially given the impending Halloween season - and worth a rental at the bare minimum.