Bravo!

Rating: 10/10 (27 August 2007)

I will come right out and say it. I hate horror movies. I find them to be trite and too serious for their own good. I consider slasher films the bane of modern cinema, and too many stories play into the gore and sheer jump moments rather than taking the time to develop the story or characters.
Having said that, this is an amazing movie. Brilliantly acted and directed, with amazing cinematography and set design. A very claustophobic movie for the majority, it grips you and will not let go.
But, what sets this movie apart is the purely psychological nature of the movie. Sure, it has its jump moments. However, the tone of the movie is straight creepy, furthered by the aforementioned claustrophobic style of the main set piece. John Cusack and Sam Jackson are brilliant in their opposing roles, playing off of each other seamlessly, feeling completely natural.
The tour de force in this movie is the room of the title itself. It morphs brilliantly, each new surprise and jump effortlessly put into the action. I can't say enough about this movie.
If you want obnoxious blood and gore, nudity and ridiculous story and acting, this is not for you. If you want an intelligent, stylish thriller, don't be put off by the PG-13 rating.
Hitchcock would be proud