Introduction
Horror movies, we've all seen them. They range from the strange and obsurd to the hack and slash throw back of the 1970's and 1980's. This is one reviewer who is resistent to attending a horror movie but when I found myself out on the town with in-laws, I decided to go along for the ride.

After watching this mesmerizing tale directed by Mikael Hafstrom , I may be horror's newest convert. In summation I am going to base my review of the movie on story, acting, and special effects.

Story

You can include bells and whistles and pull out all stops in creating a film and without a story, you are left with a special effects festival. This isn't bad if that's what your into, but in this journey you are allowed to unwrap the story layers at a time, like an onion.

The pretext is this, Mike Enslin is an established writer whose primary works consist of tales of haunted places such as hotels, cemetaries, and lighthouses. Sort of a literary travel channel.

Enslin (John Cusack, is jaded. He has never found a true haunted place and does not believe one exists. Then he is invited mysteriously to "Don't Stay in 1408" in the Dolphin Hotel.

When he arrives he is warned off, and bribed by Mr. Olin (Samuel L. Jackson) not to stay in the room. He can not be swayed and the relentless painstaking journey begins to a Karen Carpenter song "We've Only Just Begun".

In the course of an hour Enslin is forced to deal with death, guilt, and doubt through a series of eerie events.

I will not reveal all the details but I was glued to my seat wondering what was real and what was imagined by Enslin during the movie.

Acting

Most of the movie centers around strange events and happenings that Enslin experiences in the room. With that said, Cusack does a superb job in delivering a dynamic performance. He runs the entire gammut of skeptic to repentent believer. You never tire of watching him on screen. He never repeats the same facial expression leaving you with the feeling that what you are seeing on the screen is a real and gut wrenching everyman tale.

This reviewer caught himself shedding a tear when there was a very tender moment between Enslin and his daughter.

I would like to add that no one delivers a weak performance. Lily Enslin, the wife (Mary McCormack) will inspire you with her performance of the jilted lover who wants to pick up the pieces of her life. Katie (Jasmine Jessica Anthony) also delivers a solid performance of a girl desperately wanting to spend time with her father and mother. Equally impressive is Shalloub's performance as the literary manager. This cast proves that there are no small parts, just small actors.

Special Effects

This reviewer is a firm believer in special effects adding something to the movie. This movie does just that. Each effect helps with the pace of the movie. Each effect also helps with the scene transition. Nothing ever seems out of place or just added in for fluff. In short the special effects are a crucial part of this film's rollercoaster ride.

One eerie and nice effect was having Mr. Olin ask Enslin if he was a believer now via the mini-bar fridge. I could tell you my favorite heart-wrenching moment but that would give too much of the movie away. Just race to see this movie!

Conclusion

In summary this movie has a riveting story, great special effects, and powerful performances by all it's actors.

You will want to buy your ticket of admission for your hour and a half stay in room 13 er...1408!

Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Scary Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing