7½ Pies

Reviewed by Limey

Plot Summary

An author who visits and reviews supposed haunted locations visits New York to stay in a room with a grisly and mysterious past.

Review

You know, it is amazing how a film can make itself known to you if it wants to. I had not heard a thing about this film until it was near release – at which point there were suddenly trailers in every advertisement break and ads on every website I visited.

It was then not all that successful here and has not reached a great height on the DVD charts – yet it was the first result when I spontaneously searched for new releases one day and near everyone I know has been talking about it and telling me how great it is.

It was even the only chart DVD – sitting in lowly position number 12 – that was sold out when I eventually went to buy it, making me want it all the more. The fact that it starred favourites of mine in Cusack and Jackson didn’t hurt, either.

So, having finally put aside the money on a day when it was actually available, I have now purchased and watched the movie. Given that by now I had read such a depth of meaning into the above coincidences and created such a level of internal hype, could the movie possibly live up to my expectations?

Well, yes and no. It was certainly a good picture and I do not regret the money or time spent to watch it. But did it stand out as anything special or worth watching again? Not really.

It’s funny. The life of lead character Mike Enslin immediately before the events of the movie is one full of haunted motels and lighthouses that ultimately fail to live up to their reputation. As much as it pains me to say it, that is exactly how I feel about ‘1408’ itself.

Quotes:

Gerald Olin: Look, I'm not telling you not to stay in that room for your own good or for the profit of the hotel. Frankly, selfishly, I just don't want to clean up the mess.

Mike Enslin: Hotels are a naturally creepy place... Just think, how many people have slept in that bed before you? How many of them were sick? How many... died?

Spook Factor: ¾ Pie

There is a lot here to unnerve you, playing on so many different themes and fears that there will be at least one scene that you will find spooky or uncomfortable.

For me, the scene of Mike creeping along the ledge of his window was the most affective due entirely to his shirt flapping in the wind. I have seen similar scenes hundreds of times but never before had I considered the danger posed by the wind.

Antagonist: 1 Pie

To quote Mr. Olin, “It’s an evil fucking room.” The concept may not be that original but they sure played to its strengths and the room knew no limits. I do question why it felt the need to go so far, though, given that our hardened investigator was close to snapping because someone tampered with his toilet paper.

Story: ½ Pie

I could just copy and paste my view on ‘Originality’, but instead I will add that the filmmakers were creative enough with their take and structure on a somewhat generic theme for that not to turn me off.

Acting: 1 Pie

We have John Cusack, a man I am a huge fan of, and Sam F’n Jackson – could there be any doubt as to the quality of acting on display? Cusack especially turned in perhaps his best performance to date, given that he carried the film by himself for the majority of its runtime.

Jackson meanwhile, nailed every scene in his extended cameo and I will also applaud McCormack and Clark for matching Jackson with their strong showings within their equally limited screen time.

Directing: 1 Pie

Again, there are no complaints here. Håfström handled the materials and his actors like a true professional and he should be acknowledged as one of the principal reasons the movie is so highly thought of by those that have seen it.

Soundtrack: ¾ Pie

I almost repeated the ‘No complaints’ line but suddenly remembered one very good reason for knocking down the score – whilst I respected the quality of the soundtrack, it didn’t once reach me on an emotional or personal level.

Special Effects: 1 Pie

There were certain scenes that were certainly heavy on the special effects, and they all worked. I will also take this opportunity to say that the mini-Jackson was legend.

Gore: ½ Pie

See, I am mostly proud of our rating scheme here at YLP, but at times it does lead to mark downs such as this, simply because the film wasn’t about gore. I have rated it this high purely on the history of the room and some of the deaths witnessed/discussed.

Replay, Rewatch, Rewind: ½ Pie

I said it right at the start and I will say it again now, near the end – I see little reason to watch this over. I no doubt will, but in maybe a year or more, and that is not good enough to earn a higher score.

Pros

The incredibly strong standard of acting and directing and the fact that the film didn’t feel redundant despite the similarity to many previous creations.

Cons

While not redundant, the movies unoriginality does mean that its attempts at drama and emotional resonance fall somewhat flat.

Final Word

This is a good film. Do not let my initial review put you off watching it. However, I found it somewhat shallow and thus I was slightly disappointed when I started to write. As my later marks prove, however, it is a strong production and worth your time. In the end, just do whatever you feel right – all guests of this website enjoy free will.