Movie Info:
Writer: Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander
Director: Mikael Hafstrom
Cast: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub, Jasmine Jessica Anthony
Rating: PG 13
Studio: Weinstein

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: June 22, 2007
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $14.99

I love Stephen King. Anytime I see his name associated with a movie I am more than willing to see it. Stephen King truly is the master of all things horror. He’s managed to cross over between book to film in a way no other author has the ability of doing. I have seen some of the best horror movies thanks to Stephen King. Of course, I’m not fond of every single adaptation of his work, as seen by my opinion on the film version of Dreamcatcher. While it is one of my favorite novels by King, the movie was changed too much from the book and I didn’t like it.

I had high hopes for 1408. After seeing The Mist, which I loved, Stephen King had redeemed himself from my disappointment in both Dreamcatcher and the Carrie remake. Well, lo and behold, 1408 is actually really creepy. The acting of John Cusack is solid and though you don’t typically see him as a horror movie type of guy, he was the right man for this role.

While this is based on one of Stephen King’s short stories, the adaptation has a King-style horror feel to it. Sure, this movie is no Rose Red, but it did give me that giddy feeling I’ve felt when watching horror with a plot. The story is actually quite intriguing and the entire horror element is terrifying. I would never want the scenario shown in this movie to happen to me. This is why I don’t go investigating supposedly haunted places. You never know when a place is really going to be haunted.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Gary Scott Thompson
Director: Jon Avnet
Cast: Al Pacino, Alicia Witt, Leelee Sobieski, Amy Brenneman, William Forsythe, Deborah Kara Unger, Benjamin McKenzie, Neal McDonough, Leah Cairns, Stephen Moyer
Rating: R
Studio: Sony

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: April 18, 2008
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $25.95

I had been wanting to see 88 Minutes since I saw the first preview for the movie. This movie was incredibly hyped up, and with good reason. I’m in the minority here (reviewer wise) when I say, I actually really enjoyed this movie. I found it to be an exhilarating thrill ride that had me holding my breath most of the 88 minutes that the major part of the movie lasted. Simple plot or not, the actors made this movie fun.

Al Pacino was excellent in this movie. He played exactly as you’d expect him to play, with smug indifference and perhaps even the haughtiness you’d see from a tenured, famous, college professor. I didn’t feel he was just going through the motions. I didn’t feel he was under acting. I also didn’t feel the supporting cast was bad. C’mon! The supporting cast is made up of Alicia Witt, Leelee Sobieski, Amy Brenneman, and William Forsythe, to name a few. All of these actors are skilled and have performed in both well written television shows and movies.

So, I’m wondering why the critics didn’t like this movie. The user rating on IMDB is surprisingly not that bad. It’s a 6.0, which is pretty high for any movie. So, obviously the fans liked this movie. I find that I’m not overly haughty, like many of the critics on the web or in print. I’m objective, but realistic and down to Earth. I also like these kind of heart-pounding, pulse-raising movies, so I have an advantage to those not overly fond of this genre.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.