Genre: Horror/Thriller

Director: Mikael Håfström

Certificate: 1408 was rated 15A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 15 years of age or upwards.  Those under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Violence = strong. Drugs = none. Sex/Nudity = none. Language = moderate.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: 1408

At last the first film I've seen for quite some time that doesn't have to rely on blood and gore to send shivers down your spine.  Based on a short story by Stephen King 1408 tells the story of a successful writer and paranormal debunker Mike Enslin (John Cusack) who visits supposedly haunted hotels to prove the theories right or wrong so he can write about his experiences in his books.  A cynical, unhappy individual who has lost a young daughter, he wanders around the country like a lost soul on a solitary mission not only trying to forget his grief, but to disprove all the ghostly tales that have built up around certain establishments and record his findings.

Whilst opening his mail one morning he receives an anonymous postcard telling him not to book into room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel in New York and of course it's like waving a red flag in front of the proverbial bull as he goes off on his one man crusade with dogged determination.  He is met at the hotel by Mr. Olin (Samuel L Jackson) who gives a chilling performance as the hotel manager who desperately tries to dissuade the intrepid writer from spending just one night in the infamous room.  Sadly to no avail, as Enslin demands the keys and books himself in, and we then witness some really hairy moments, as, without giving too much away, a diatribe of thrills and spills unfolds in the room.  It certainly has its adrenaline filled moments, and is something quite innovative into today's slasher flicks market.

It's not a masterpiece for sure, not in the same league as say Misery for instance, but that said it kept me entertained throughout, and at just 1 hour and 40 minutes it was just about bang on the mark.  A pleasant surprise and Cusack as always is good value for money. 

In a word: Entertaining.

Reviewed by Mary Kate, Premier Movie Reviews 2007

If you enjoy 1408 you might also enjoy: Identity, The Grudge, or Gothika

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS:

• JOHN CUSACK: America's Sweethearts,  Identity,  Serendipity.

• MARY McCORMACK: K-Pax.

• JASMINE JESSICA ANTHONY: Catch Me If You Can.

• TONY SHALHOUB: Men In Black II.

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WORTH A WATCH