Cusack and Jackson Team Up For King
Written: Jul 13 '07
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Product Rating:
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| Bang For The Buck |
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Pros: Great spin on a been there done that premise, Cusack and Jackson are strong
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: A horror movie that constantly goes, thanks to a strong cast and a winning performance by Cusack.
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| videodude's Full Review: 1408 |
Generally, a Stephen King story can go one way or the other when it comes to screen adaptation: it could really really suck or it could be really really great. For every Misery or The Green Mile is a few dozen waiting in the wings that generally suck: Children of the Corn, The Mangler, Pet Sematary Two, etc.
Thankfully, 1408 is a Stephen King film adaptation that's actually good, held up by the crucial casting of it's star, John Cusack.
You see, a lot of actors could've played this role but I don't think any of them would've brought that kind of withdrawn and browbeaten humanity Cusack brings to this role. For as many know, John Cusack has crafted a career out of playing these guys who seem to have their heads up their butts and can't let go. He did this to an art form in High Fidelity and Grosse Pointe Blank among others. 1408 is another exception to the rule, and I don't think there's anyone as believable as an actor like Cusack. For instance, if it were Tom Hanks or Mel Gibson, I would've had a hard time accepting them for the troubled Mike Enslin Cusack so enthusiastically plays here, without that believability factor that Cusack brings to it.
Enslin is a supernatural writer who has been able to debunk far too many paranormal myths to be scared. Desensitized would probably be a better word for a guy who has stayed in his share of haunted hotel rooms. This is both the premise of 1408 the film and the short story of the same name which I read. From a reader's point of view, I was happy that the screenwriters were able to improve upon the premise by adding a subplot not featured in the story, as Enslin is the surviving father of a departed daughter and a sour marriage. Thus, Enslin throws himself into the work and does more than his share of staying at all these haunted places and proves them to be nothing more than a fraud meant to make money. Until he gets word of a haunted hotel room numbered 1408 at a Manhattan hotel. To Enslin, this could just be another chapter in his book until he meets the hotel manager (Smauel L. Jackson) who is vehemently opposed to Enslin's stay but legally, can't do a thing. Thus, Enslin refuses the manager's insistence and stays in 1408 for himself. "No one had lasted for more than an hour." the manager says but of course, Enslin doesn't listen and has to see for himself.
Combining both traditional haunted house elements and fusing them with psychological terror, 1408 is a breath of fresh air in the wake of CGI-ridden horror vehicles like the dreadful remakes of The Haunting or House on Haunted Hill. Granted you might dismiss the premise as something in a long line of other "been there done that" premises, Stephen King is the writer so he'll have to put some kind of nice, original spin on a premise that we've seen before. As I said, coupled with Cusack's casting, 1408 becomes intensely scary for those who enjoy a good horror film.
1408 is rated PG-13 so you won't see your share of heads rolling or organs flying. Instead you'll be treated to a guy's psychological mindset in which Enslin is forced to play games with a hotel room that loves to commit damage. Early on in the film, Olin (Jackson) mentions the staggering number of suicides and natural deaths that have occurred in that hotel room in particular. 1408 provides a glimpse of such a thing, providing head games into a person's psyche and for someone as damaged as Enslin, it's ripe for the start.
What I love about 1408 in what a lot of horror films lack is the realization of consequence. Such a storytelling principle is the one that rears it's ugly head in barely a minute of screen time. It's when that character, the one whose caused all the damage is forced to deal with those consequences and they realize this. We've seen that happen before in a lot of horror films but 1408 is the feature film version of that. Enslin is cocky and even describes himself as a selfish person. One of his less than admirable traits is when he takes Olin's bribes to resist 1408, only to delve back in and maintain his stance that he's going to be staying in that room. It's a joy to watch Enslin finally deal with the consequences as the film builds him up to be someone who believes he can't be knocked down. Initially things start off slow but the story builds up and to watch this character deal with such occurrences at a personal cost, is the real fun.
Cusack, for all the overly excited, hyped up and seriously energetic characters he's played, manages to balance that in 1408. Cusack gives a fierce performance and in one of the film's more outstanding scenes, actually sees his daughter walk toward him. For one to have a dry eye throughout this scene, has to be a very cold fish to not understand. Watching Cusack suffer in this film is the fun part though, as you see his character, once in all his glory, squirm to do whatever he can to survive. One of the film's particularly great sequences involves a surprise twist. Ultimately I didn't feel convinced when I thought the film was at this point, until the twist shows up and that's where it gets even more exciting. Like I said, I don't think there's any performer whom I'd be more inclined to watch than Cusack.
1408 is a story you have to read. You pretty much know what you're getting when you see it. But the best part is, what you're getting is worth the time to see.
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Scary Movie
Viewing Method: Studio Screening/Premiere
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing
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Epinions.com ID:
videodude
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Location: South Shore Massachusetts
Reviews written: 480
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