1408

Dir: Mikael Håfström (Derailed, Ondskan / Evil)
Cast: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Tony Shalhoub, Jasime Jessica Anthony
USA, 2007

Seen: July 9, 2007 at Scotiabank Theatre

Reason to see: Looked interesting and it is one of my films for Week 29 of See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year.

It is refreshing to see a scary film based on a strong story and that uses ideas to thrill in a genre that has been saturated with gore over the past few years. Initially it reminded me a lot of Identity but quickly established its own tone and focus. The main setting is a hotel room where ‘things go wrong’ and John Cusack’s character is one who does not believe in such things. It was great to see John Cusack really hold his own in this film, which is one of the things that make it successful considering the large amount of screen time he has. Other contributing factors to what makes this a solid film is the setting – a relatively normal room that easily creeps us out, and the excellent use of sound and music. Add to that original ideas and freaky visuals and you’ve got a pretty good scary movie on your hands.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I’d watch it again
I would recommend it to thriller and scary movie fans

16 minutes of preshow including 7 commercials and 5 previews (I Know Who Killed Me, I Now Prounouce You Chuck and Larry, Sunshine, Shoot ‘Em Up and the fifth I missed or they did not show the title but it may have been the Rob Zombie directed Halloween remake)

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© Shannon Ridler, 2007