Everyone's a critic: '1408'

Three and a half stars (out of four)

Much like other Steven King adaptations ("The Shining," "Christine"), "1408" is scary. Renowned horror author Mike Enslin (John Cusack), who writes about haunted hotels from a cynical perspective, is plagued by his own personal tragedies and demons.

The next big story for him to disprove is the infamous Dolphin Hotel room 1408.

Like another infamous hotel, the Roach Motel, tenants check in but they don't check out. Hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to persuade Enslin of the dangers and macabre happenings in the room, but to no avail. Once inside the room, subtle happenings start to turn Enslin's cynicism to belief. He considers leaving and attempts an express checkout, but the room will not let him. Then it's game on.

I enjoyed this movie because, frankly, it scared me. Suspenseful and surprising, this film had terror without the gore (no Al, either; he's scary in his own right). I'll give it three-and-a-half stars out of four for being a good, old-fashioned suspense thriller without the gore. I don't think I want to be Stephen King's neighbor.

-- Mike Griffin

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Three stars (out of four)

I am a big John Cusack fan and was somewhat excited about "1408." I have not watched a suspense thriller like "1408" in years, and now I remember why: I WAS SO SCARED!

Guys, it's a great date movie. Your gal is sure to be cuddled up out of pure fear!

Cusack's character, Mike Enslin, is searching for proof of the paranormal and hope of an afterlife when he checks into room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel in New York. Let me tell you, he finds it.

The film takes you on a mind-bending journey for more than an hour, and just when you think it is over, in the words of Karen Carpenter, "We've Only Just Begun." This is a suspenseful, anxiety producing, seat-jumping, mind-freaking movie. There are a few areas where I thought it ran a bit slow, but for the most part, it definitely held my attention.

You know what they say: There is a fine line between normal and psychotic. What is it that might drive you too far?

-- Michelle Griffin

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Three stars (out of four)

Based upon a short story by Stephen King, "1408" revolves around renowned horror novelist Mike Enslin (John Cusack). After a series of successful book signings, Enslin's publisher, Sam Farrell (Tony Shalhoub) motivates the ever-skeptical writer to embark upon a new project that will call for him to spend the night in 10 so-called "haunted" hotel rooms.

Enslin's phantom-free nights are about to end when he checks into suite 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel in New York. Hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson) pleads for him not to stay, but the headstrong author only believes what he can see with his own two eyes.

Under the direction of Mikael Hafstrom, "1408" is transformed into one of the summer's scariest films. Hafstrom interweaves horror and suspense incorporating a soundtrack by The Carpenters that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

-- Jerry Swan