I had never heard of the story 1408 by Stephen King before I heard of the film 1408.  I love Stephen King and I love John Cusack so this was a treat for all treats.

1408 is about Mike Enslin, a writer who makes his living investigating allegedly haunted hotels.  He learns of the Dolphin hotel, in New York City and it’s infamous room 1408 and decides to investigate.  He is advised by the hotel manager, played by Samuel L Jackson against staying in the room.  Mike insists and he checks into the room and settles in, after stealing a very expensive bottle on Cognac from the hotel managers office.

The first of the weird occurrences is a clock radio that begins to play, “We’ve Only Just Begun”.  Pretty telling if you ask me, about what is about to ensue.  The digital display on the clock changes to “60:00” and begins to count down.  Uh huh, this isn’t good.

All kinds of weird occurrences happen until finally the front desk tells him that he can relive the last hour of his life over and over or kill himself.  He uses to bottle of Cognac to make a Molotov cocktail to set the room on fire.  He is saved by his ex-wife Lilly.

There is additional storyline regarding his estranged ex-wife Lilly and his daughter who died of Cancer if I remember correctly.

This movie is really more of a psychological thriller than a gore-fest.  But it will scare you. If you haven’t seen it, do so.

CAST

• John Cusack as Mike Enslin
• Samuel L. Jackson as Gerald Olin
• Mary McCormack as Lily Enslin
• Tony Shalhoub as Sam Farrell
• Len Cariou as Mike’s father
• Jasmine Jessica Anthony as Katie Enslin