1408

Rated PG-13 for thematic material including disturbing sequences of violence and terror, frightening images and language

Runtime 94 minutes

I start off my review with a warning. If you don't like to think about your movies, and review them over in your head trying to construct a conclusion on exactly what you just saw, skip this movie completely.

The movie starts out informing you about what the central character, Mike Enslin (John Cusack), does for a living. While it doesn't give you too much information about Enslin in the beginning, you gradually learn more about him as the movie goes on.

Mike Enslin is a writer who has focused mainly on informational books about haunted houses, lighthouses, forts, etc. As he looks for a hotel to complete his stories in his latest book, he is sent a postcard informing him to "Do not enter 1408". Once the reverse phycology sets in, Enslin is on his way to the Dolphin Hotel, where the Manager (Samuel L. Jackson) is bent on forbidding him to enter 1408, where previously many deaths has occured.

From there on to the end of the movie, John Cusack shows a fantastic one man performence with many twists and turns along the way. This movie shows the true acting power of Cusack as well as the uniquely eerie style of Samuel L. Jackson.

If you are a fan of Stephen King's short book "1408", you will not be dissapointed by this movie. While some drastic changes are made from the book to this movie, they still fit smoothly in with the rest of the original story. "1408" seems just as creepy and ingenious as the book.

So all in all, this movie is not for the absent, small, or thoughtless minded. While it is spooky at some parts, and a few things might startle you, the only thing you will want to do after this movie is think, "Wow." "1408" is the movie for you, if you can enjoy a good conversation afterwards.

Rating: A-

Shrek The Third

Rated: PG for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action
Runtime: 92 minutes


Seeing the trailers for this movie, I had low expectations. I thought they had over done it and created the whole "re-used jokes effect". Once I saw the movie I was only moderately surprised. While it is better then I thought it would be, It ranks low on my favorite movies list.

The thing that really makes this move bad is the first two Shrek installments, Shrek and Shrek 2. These films were so great that they made Shrek The Third seem like it shouldn't have ever existed. The good points in the movie include the voice overs, special effects, and storyline. While many people disliked it's storyline, I thought it was rather charming and had a nice a effect.

The movie starts out giving you a "whats up" on Shrek's life. The king of Far Far Away has recently died and Shrek is heir to the throne. Being the ogre that he is, he realizes he is no good at being king. Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots head out to find the next heir to the throne, Artie, who is viewed as the "Nerd" in high school. A few laughs along the way land you into a fair ending.

While Shrek The Third had some potential ("some" used very lightly"), I enjoyed the first two installments so much more. I say skip this one and wait for it to hit your local video store.

Grade: C+