1408

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balon!
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Post by balon! »

This movie was surprisingly good. It had humor in all the right parts, and a good dose of horror. Not overly bloody or gruesome (which is refreshing) but not a lack of it either.

Overall, it scared the hell outta me. Definite reccomendation.
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Post by Menolly »

I know I read posts about it before here on the Watch, but I don't remember where. It's based on a Stephen King short story, yes?
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Post by Worm of Despite »

It is, Menolly. I rather enjoyed it; it was my favorite kind of horror: psychological. It had plenty of gore, mind you, but the violence wasn't of the overwhelming slasher-flick breed.
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Post by Menolly »

Thanks LF.

Balon, as Beorn just completed King's entire fictional bibliography (well, just before he started on Asimov's, which he also just finished), he must have read the short story at some point. Would you say a slightly immature 13 year old could see this movie? I truly know nothing about it myself.
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Post by A Gunslinger »

It is based on a Stepen King short story of the same title...in a collection called "Everything's Eventual".
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Post by Menolly »

Ah...OK.

That's in my pile to read per Av's Dark Tower list of books I'm going by...

So Beorn has definitely already read it.
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Post by danlo »

Menolly wrote:I know I read posts about it before here on the Watch, but I don't remember where. It's based on a Stephen King short story, yes?
I asked what this movie was all about, after seeing the trailer, in (believe it of not) the Stephen King Forum--I thought the only time I really ever created a topic there would make an impression...but apparently not :cry:
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Post by Menolly »

danlo wrote:
Menolly wrote:I know I read posts about it before here on the Watch, but I don't remember where. It's based on a Stephen King short story, yes?
I asked what this movie was all about, after seeing the trailer, in (believe it of not) the Stephen King Forum--I thought the only time I really ever created a topic there would make an impression...but apparently not :cry:
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Post by wayfriend »

Capone Enjoyed Hanging Out In 1408!!

... But when it's time to rip out his heart with a chainsaw and crowbar, [Cusack] doesn't flinch. 1408 is a smart, stylish, and gripping drama encased in horror show wrapping that works on both levels. The movie dares to have an artistry about it, while not forgetting to be entertaining and poignant. [link]
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Post by Cail »

There's a trend here....This film has a wonderfully open ending. I'm seeing more and more of these, and I'm really digging them.

Cusack's performance is damn impressive. As many reviews have mentioned, it's basically a one-man show. These sorts of films usually don't win Oscars, but Johnny Boy deserves a nomination for his work.

I only vaguely remember reading the short story, so I can't comment on how well it sticks to it, but this is definitely a case of the film being strong on its own.
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Post by dlbpharmd »

This movie is outstanding! Best movie in this genre since The Ring, IMO. I've long been a fan of John Cusack, but in 1408 he holds the screen and gives a stellar performance.

Guys, trust me, you have to see this movie.
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Post by danlo »

I give it 10 skulls!!! (inside joke, see this movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
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Post by Dagon »

This movie was amazing.

"Why don't you kill me already?"

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Post by Cord Hurn »

Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a writer of paranormal phenomena, insists on paying to stay the night in room 1408 of NYC's Dolphin Hotel, despite the repeated discouragement of the hotel manager (Samuel L. Jackson) who warns him that many guests in that room have killed themselves. Enslin feels he can handle it, and Cusack does a good job showing his character slowly coming unglued as the haunted room slowly messes with his head, and he deals with the unshed tears he's been holding back over the loss of his young daughter some years earlier due to her debilitating disease. Thankfully not much gore in this one, for a flick based on a Stephen King story. A somewhat likeable, but not great, movie. I give it this: there's an emotionally touching plot twist at movie's end.
Last edited by Cord Hurn on Fri Jun 06, 2025 7:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by sgt.null »

Cord - I enjoyed this adaptation. Thought it was well done. Two questions.

1) have you read the short story?

2) have you seen John Cusack in Cell?
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Post by Cord Hurn »

Sarge - haven't read the short story. Nor seen Cell.
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Post by sgt.null »

I recommend both.

And I'm a fan of the King's book, the Cell
Though a lot of fans are not.
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