Very solid horror film

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2012)

First of all, growing up with John Cusack - I have been one of his skeptics right from the outset with his romcom/teen flicks that spurted out in the 80s and 90s. I watched a film of his which was recommended from a friend a couple of years ago because he said it was great. It wasn't and only compounded my dislike for movies which he appears in.
Herein lies the dilemma, I am a big Stephen King fan - but I don't like John Cusack - so I have put this film off for a few years.
the first point is that it is not about the year 1408 which is what I assumed from the cover of the item, it is about room 1408 a hotel room number.
Firstly, to put the ghosts to bed above. John Cusack's performance was nothing short of outstanding. He was believable, you sympathised with his situation and the range of emotions you went with him was absolutely spot on. Well done Mr Cusack! you have restored my faith in you! Samuel L Jackson's "Jool's" performance has been identical in whatever role he has played in. But with his one dimensional acting, it is always pretty decent, he does a job.
So onto the movie, storyline - solid, twists and turns - solid, entertainment value - solid, acting - solid. Scare factor: pretty damn high!!!! I have watched many Stephen King movies (Shawshank being the best) and read many of his books also (IT being the best). As a horror movie, this ranks right up there with Misery and given the fact that the level of horror movies out there that can possibly scare you is very low (Paranormal Activity, The Grudge 1 & 2 - (Japanese), Let the Right One in (Swedish) - do not skip this movie!!! Fantastic!