1408

1408 (2007)

Director: Mikael Hafstrom

Starring: John Cusack, Mary McCormack, and Samuel L. Jackson

Description: Based on the short Stephen King horror story of the same name, 1408 surrounds supernatural writer Mike Enslin, an author of two hit books focusing on supernatural phenomena. As research for his latest book, Enslin is determined to check out the notorious room 1408 in a New York City hotel by personally staying as a guest in the fabled room. With the intention that 1408 is just a myth perpetuated by stories and rumor that Enslin has collected for his past works. However, hotel manager Mr. Olin has strong objections to Enslin's stay and only warns him of possible danger to come. But Enslin is determined to go through and convinced that the horrific past of 1408 is just mere coincidence and a myth. But what Mike Enslin is about to experience is no myth, as 1408 truly is a room where the guests don't check out by noon.

Review: This movie had me on the edge of my seat. I had to watch many parts with my fingers over my eyes. The soundtrack added that extra "scare" to the movie. Overall, I found the movie to be very interesting and creepy (but a good creepy). I think the message left by the movie was very interesting as well. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Book Connection: This movie was based off of one of Stephen King's short stories (of the same name) in the collection entitled, Everything's Eventual. I have yet to read this collection but do have it on hold at the library. Once I finish that I will give my analysis at my book journal.


Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales by Stephen King

Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, and Martin Freeman.

Description: Nicholas Angel is the finest cop London has to offer, with an arrest record 400% higher than any other officer on the force. He's so good, he makes everyone else look bad. As a result, Angel's superiors send him to a place where his talents won't be quite so embarrassing - the sleepy and seemingly crime-free village of Sandford. Once there, he is partnered with the well-meaning but overeager police officer Danny Butterman. The son of amiable Police Chief Frank Butterman, Danny is a huge action movie fan and believes his new big-city partner might just be a real-life "bad boy," and his chance to experience the life of gunfights and car chases he so longs for. Angel is quick to dismiss this as childish fantasy and Danny's puppy-like enthusiasm only adds to Angel's growing frustration. However, as a series of grisly accidents rocks the village, Angel is convinced that Sandford is not what it seems and as the intrigue deepens, Danny's dreams of explosive, high-octane, car-chasing, gunfighting, all-out action seem more and more like a reality. It's time for these small-town cops to break out some big-city justice.

Review: I just can't see this movie enough times. The more I see it, the more I like it. One of the best comedy films in a long time. I laughed so hard I nearly lost my voice. You will love it especially if you've seen cop "buddy" movies. Its not a parody of them, but more of an homage. Really well done. A definite must see.

Score: 5 out of 5

Leon - The Professional

Leon-The Professional (1994)

Director: Luc Besson

Starring: Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, and Danny Aiello

Description: Mathilda, a twelve-year old New York girl, is living an undesirable life among her half-family. Her father stores drugs for two-faced cop Norman Stansfield. Only her little brother keeps Mathilda from breaking apart. One day, Stansfield and his team take cruel revenge on her father for stretching the drugs a little, thus killing the whole family. Only Mathilda, who was out shopping, survives by finding shelter in Lon's apartment in the moment of highest need. Soon, she finds out about the strange neighbour's unusual profession - killing - and desperately seeks his help in taking revenge for her little brother. Lon, who is completely unexperienced in fatherly tasks, and in friendships, does his best to keep Mathilda out of trouble - unsuccessfully. Now, the conflict between a killer, who slowly discovers his abilities to live, to feel, to love and a corrupt police officer, who does anything in his might to get rid of an eye witness, arises to unmeasurable proportions - all for the sake of a little twelve-year old girl, who has nearly nothing to lose.

Review: Every time I see this movie, I think I love it a little bit more. Yes, there are some cheesy lines, but wow, what action. You are never bored with this film. It is sad though, to see what Mathilda has to go through. I do like the interaction between Leon and Mathilda, even though at times it can be suggestively taboo. All in all, a good movie for a Saturday night. Definitely worth a rent, if not to own.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Dark City

Dark City (1998)

Director: Alex Proyas

Starring: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connolly, and William Hurt.

Description: John Murdoch awakens alone in a strange hotel to find that he has lost his memory and is wanted for a series of brutal and bizarre murders. While trying to piece together his past, he stumbles upon a fiendish underworld controlled by a group of beings known as "The Strangers" who possess the ability to put people to sleep and alter the city and its inhabitants. Now Murdoch must find a way to stop them before they take control of his mind and destroy him.

Review: I had seen this ages ago and had forggeton how brilliant it was/is. This movie was definitely ahead of its time. This is a great SciFi/Mystery. To me, the concept for this movie was ripped off by The Matrix. Granted, its not the same exact story, but there are way too many elements from Dark City that end up in The Matrix. I highly recommend to see this movie.

Score: 5 out of 5

You, Me, and Dupree

You, Me and Dupree (2006)

Director(s): Anthony and Joe Russo

Starring: Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon, and Michael Douglas

Description: For newlyweds Carl and Molly Peterson, life can't get any sweeter as they begin anew to settle down into married life. With a nice house and established careers in tow, nothing seems to get in their way. However, Carl is about find out just how much friendship means when Dupree, his best friend has been displaced from his home and fired from his job because of attending their wedding. Taking his friend in, what Carl and Molly are about to experience is that the fine line between a few days and whatever else is after, can be a lot more than they bargained for. Especially when their friend overstays his welcome in far too many ways than he should.

Review: For the most part, I enjoyed this movie. It has sme genuinely funny moments. That said, it was sort of a typical "Father-in-Law hates new Son-in-Law" type of story. There really wasn't anything new or fresh about it. I'd say its a movie to watch on HBO when you have nothing better to do, but I wouldn't bother renting it.

Score: 2.5 out of 5

Mission Statement

This blog is to keep track of what I watch (Movies mostly) and to give my two cents worth.