1408 (2007)
Director: Mikael Hafstorm
Stars: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Rating (out of 5): ****
The Dolphin Hotel is haunted and Mike is going to get to the bottom of this mystery. Ironically, an author of the not very popular ghost stories, does not believe in the existence of the paranormal. Though the manager desperately tries to convince Mike that going inside that hotel room means never coming out, Mike happily takes on the challenge as he is blindly convinced that these stories the manager has told are just... well, stories.
He is sadly, to our entertainment, proven wrong.
This, originally a short story by Stephen King, was probably the only scary movie i've watched lately with a good and well built plot that caries on throughout the whole movie.
The directors work is spectacular and the events are anything but boring. I found myself leaning in eagerly, although i advice you not to. The actor's work is profound, the movie carries on very well, as you see that he gets genuinely freaked out by the ongoing ghost interactions.
The scenes are not scary, per say. I found them spooky rather than the actual scare that carries with you though-out the rest of the day. I watched the movie and went to pee, without problems. (too much information?) Honestly, i rate the fright i get from the movie by how hesitant and chilly i get when i need to... 'go'. I did jump a few times, but it was very rare.
Supernatural fans (hey buddies!) won't get startled as much.
Overall, the movie was leaning on a sad story line rather one that will you keep up at night; unless you're crying your eyes out, which i highly doubt will happen. It is worth the watch definitely but i'd watch it with a friend, just in case.
Post warning: If you're looking forward to a lot of gore, don't be too thrilled. I'm actually happy i watched a 'scary' movie without gore, blood or intense sexual scenes that really are out of place and unnecessary. It's rated PG13 after all...
Enjoy!
