1408 is another Stephen King adaptation where the main protagonist is a writer. It is also a fine psychological horror movie and welcome change of pace from the ultra violent, gore polluted, torture porn flicks currently infecting cinema.

The film stars John Cusack as Mike Enslin, a cynical occult writer of various ghost survival guides whose belief in the paranormal has slowly eroded over the years. During a routine day of sifting through numerous invitations to various haunted establishments, Enslin is caught off by guard by a postcard from the Dolphin Hotel which warns him not to investigate room 1408.

Intrigued, Enslin does the exact opposite, wearing down the hotels manager (Samuel L. Jackson) who warns Enslin of the room's brutal history to no avail. Once Enslin enters the room, it does not take long for it to make its presence known, launching a physical and psychological assault whilst also conjuring the writers painful past.

John Cusack is spectacular, the veteran actor devouring his most distinguished character role in years. He successfully ploughs through a gauntlet of emotions, inhabiting his characters intelligence and wise cracking scepticism, as well as his fear and frustrations whilst in the room.

Samuel L. Jackson is also very good in a disappointingly minor yet memorable role.

When it hits its stride, 1408 can be exceptionally creepy, and its well timed scares will have many viewers jumping from their seats. This is thanks to director Mikael Hafstrom, who establishes mood very well. Of particular mention is the dread felt once in the room, which in itself becomes a character that features all of the best traits found in a haunted dwelling (bleeding walls, wondering ghosts, etc.)

Yet the film just cannot keep its momentum going all the way, buckling under its own expectations in a confusing and repetitive final act which bombards the viewer with a never string of twists and a less than satisfactory conclusion. Still, 1408 is a solid ghost story and one of the better horror efforts of 2007.