1408

John Cusack's tears are probably just as unbelievable and implausible as this whole film. Thematically, it is quite interesting, but as I reflect on the supernatural films of recent years, 1408 doesn't come close in terms of plot. At the same time, I have to admit that dealing with such a screenplay is an incredibly difficult thing, and it definitely required a more experienced director than this unknown Norseman; they didn't manage to squeeze out much out of it. The beginning is simple with the characters being outlined, and things start to escalate as soon as Cusack enters that room, but mostly in an unoriginal way. Violent jump-scares, the tension, instead of coming from the camera work or directing, comes from loud music and some noisy sound, the plot is fairly flat and monotonous, with dreadfully cliché family background. In short, there are quite a few shortcomings. There are a few good things: excellent sound, quality visuals, and a relatively fast pace. I won't go deep on the insanely convoluted ending for safety's sake, that's a chapter in itself. (22/07/2008)

Of course, the short story was better. And to tell the truth, when is that not the case with Steve? By the way, today it’s King’s sixtieth birthday, so I dedicate this review to him. :-) But still it’s a quality picture and the necessary changes during filming were managed fairly... let’s say decently. I wouldn’t give it a straight A, the story was unnecessarily protracted in places. Mikael Håfström puts his money on a pretty sure winner and mainly relies on the excellent John Cusack who was absolutely great and precisely cast. I was a little unhappy that we didn’t see some of the malevolent “parts" of the room, like the distorted door or the swampy floor, but I understand that Håfström had to restrain himself and also he was only working with visual media. Samuel L. Jackson was a pleasure and acted superbly, even though I admit that I was rooting for the fat, bald Mr. Olin. A high four stars and at last I’m grateful for a horror that is terrifying even without hundreds of frights and a mass murderer. I hope that this is a sign of good times on their way. (21/09/2007)

A bit of a naive ghost story, the kind of which there have been many. And even though John Cusack is playing for dear life and all that fear is palpable, my adrenaline level didn't rise an inch during his growing madness. Besides, the filmmakers didn't know where to go and resorted to more and more obvious twists and turns, almost crossing the boundary of kitsch several times. On the other hand, they came up with a very interesting ending, which was certainly not very shocking, but it surprised me. A decent 3* for the effort, the actors and the decent atmosphere. (13/06/2012)

1408 is not exceptional either in terms of script quality or directorial approach, but at the same time, it is an honest genre film without unpleasant mistakes and pandering. In the flood of endless teenage massacres, inconspicuous vampire and zombie slasher films, and cheap thefts of famous films from the past, this psycho-horror feels honestly old-fashioned according to the rules of the old genre school. In addition, Cusack acts excellently and Samuel L. Jackson complements him very well in the smaller role of the hotel manager. The appropriate duration and several decent special effects scenes with a functioning atmosphere make this film an above-average work in its genre. Overall impression: 70%. (11/07/2008)

A great film. From the horrifying "audio story" of my beloved SK came an above-average film in all respects, which brings back memories of the good old days when the word horror didn't just mean dozens of disgustingly slit throats, piles of disemboweled intestines and a poor atmosphere. I have no reservations about the way the filmmakers handled the subject matter. The short original text was obviously not enough for the whole film, so a lot of things had to be thought out. But even the added passages feel like they are straight out of Stephen King! I was staring... Admiration must go to the director, the special effects team and especially John Cusack, who simply excels in this film about one progressively mad author. And so I thought - if I gave five stars to Darabont's The Mist, why not give them to 1408? One of King's best adaptations. (09/09/2010)