The best Horror Film since The Grudge

Rating: 8/10 (29 June 2007)

Years of Slasher film after Slasher film have been brought to an end with the release of 1408. This has to be the best film released since 300.
The story goes like this- A man named Mike has a career of debunking legends of places being haunted. His next place is a hotel in New York called the Dolphin. Room 1408 on the top floor, is rumored to be haunted. When Mike goes to check in the manager takes him to his(the manager's) office. There, the manager insists that Mike not stay in 1408. His attempts fail however, and eventually he gives in and escorts Mike to 1408.
At first everything seems normal, however, strange things start happening. The radio goes on by itself, the window slams shut while Mike just happens to have his hand through it. A strange apparition attacks Mike with a weapon. And Mike hears the voice of his daughter, who died a year ago. Eventually more bizarre things start to happen and Mike, unable to get out of the room, must battle the mind tricks and attacks of a room that is trying to drive him to suicide.
The Good -- First of all, the acting from Jackson and Cuzak is well done, as is the acting of Mike's wife.
This film is genuinely scary. From the siren that causes Mike to nearly fall from the ledge he is attempting to cross in order to get to the window of another hotel room to the scene where the noose for Mike to hang himself appears, to the painting of the old woman reading a story to deranged children. It is almost terrifying.
The Bad -- Not enough time ios spent detailing Mike's profession.
This takes me back to the classic horror of the 20s-70s. I hope t directs horror back to a more atmospheric approach and away from hack and slash.