Rated PG-13 for thematic material including disturbing sequences of violence and terror, frightening images and language.
Directed by Mikael Håfström (Derailed)
Starring John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson
Without a doubt, this is one of the best Stephen King horror movies in a long time.
1408 is the story of Mike Enslin (John Cusack), supernatural writer, who has abandoned all hope and belief in anything since his daughter’s death. While researching his latest book, Enslin checks-in to room 1408 in New York City’s Dolphin Hotel. Hotel manager Mr. Olin (Samuel L. Jackson) has some very strong objections to Enslin's stay and tries to warn him of horror to come. But Enslin’s determination and stubbornness finally earns him the key to the room and one sleepless night.
Stephen King horror movies are really hit or miss for me. Movies like Dreamcatcher, The Langoliers, andIt are so good until the last 15 minutes when you are left wishing you could get back those two hours of your life. Then there are movies like Misery and The Shining that are strong all the way to the credits. I enjoyed 1408 from beginning to end.
Admittedly I am not a horror movie fan (that would be my wife). But it is hard not to notice that recently, most horror movies have gone overboard on the blood, gore and torture scenes. Movies like Saw, Hostel and The Hills Have Eyes have gone for the lowest common denominator in scare tactics. Sure I have jumped once or twice but mostly they just leave me feeling dirty.
1408 focuses more on the journey and the characters. I liked that the movie didn’t open in the hotel lobby and then right into the scares. It takes a while to develop, but I thought it was worth it. Once you get there, it is a wild ride as you live the nightmare with Cusack.
John Cusack is fantastic. For most of the movie it’s just him in the hotel room and he makes it work. Samuel L Jackson, who by the way is creepier than any ghost, may not be on the screen that much, but when he is, he is phenomenal.
SPOILER WARNING: The only negative was the predictable false ending. I knew it was coming and nothing about it was original. I was sitting there hoping it wasn’t a dream, hoping it wasn’t a Dead Zone moment, and thankfully it wasn’t.
Overall it was fun, creepy and a little disturbing…a great Stephen King ride.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
1408 has a true PG-13 rating with some pretty scary and disturbing images so younger kids should not see it.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
