1408

Don't be confused by the title thinking you're going into a movie about ancient voyagers discovering new worlds in the 1400s. "1408" actually refers to the very haunted hotel room that has taken over fifty lives during its sordid past. While I didn't count, it could also be referring to the number of scares and twists that occur throughout this intense story. This is a Stephen King story that translates well to the big screen.

John Cusack stars as Mike Enslin, an author who writes about supposed haunted places. Rather than trying to get people to believe in the stories, Enslin works to dispel the myths and disprove the idea of ghosts. He is successful until he encounters Room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York. It is explained to him by the creepy hotel manager (Samuel L. Jackson) that he no longer allows guests to stay in that room as those who go in either don't come out alive, or end up leaving having caused some very physical harm to themselves. Enslin is unconvinced and insists on staying.

There is also a side story about Enslin's past in New York with an estranged wife and dead daughter. This is intertwined throughout the movie and creates a needed distraction from the blood and frightening images.

Overall, the story focuses on Cusack who convincingly carries the weight of the film. There is little delay in getting to the scary parts, and the thrills and chills only continue to build. There is a deviation from the plot just past the halfway point that nearly derails everything. Fortunately, when the action does kick back in, we are more unsure of what is or isn't happening to Enslin, and the ending doesn't disappoint. "1408" was certainly worth checking into, and I'm glad I got out alive. I give it a B+.

"1408" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 94 minutes.