Word In Stone: Review of 1408

[tstone]

I've a friend who does the ghost hunting thing. She's had a few interesting stories, and tells more. But, like UFOs, there is enough out there to lend the phenomenon credence, most tales are just that. John Cusak plays Mike Enslin, a paranormal investigator and author who has had no luck so far. At best, intense feelings and sensations in a few places, but nothing he will catagorize as an encounter with the paranormal. Because of earlier experiences and his subsequent pursuit, he has become embittered and cynical.

He then gets an anonymous tip about The Dophin Hotel in New York, room 1408. Gerald Olin, the manager, played by Samuel Jackson, ardently attempts to warn Enslin away. Olin isn't having it. The more dire Olin's entreaties get, the more Olin wants to get up there. So finally, Olin lets him in. And then...we get what we get...

This is a rather conventional ghost story. It's not that surprising, but it IS stylishly shot and well acted. And it isn't just about the boos. There is just enough development of Enslin to give his experiences some emotional heft. Pretty straightforward and uncomplicated, just a good spooky time with your DVD player.