1408

RYAN: As I’ve said many times, 2007 is the year of the horror film, and it’s finally beginning to pay off now that we’ve seen the über-scary “Joshua,” which comes out on July 6th, and the thrilling “1408.”

CAROLINE: Perhaps “1408” will do the box office that “Hostel: Part II” is not doing; we saw it with a packed opening night crowd. And though I haven’t seen “Hostel,” I suspect “1408” is a better film.

RYAN: “1408” stars John Cusack and it stands to be the first breakout horror film of the year.

CAROLINE: John Cusack is fabulous in this, and he’s 80% of the reason why I saw this movie. I don’t traditionally enjoy seeing scary movies in the theater, but I was all over this one because of John, and because it’s based on a Stephen King short story.

RYAN: I was so happy that you were actually interested in seeing this with me! And I want everyone to know that during one part of the movie, you were actually hissing at the screen because you were so uncomfortable.

CAROLINE: Honestly, this movie isn’t all that scary. It’s quite good, but it’s more of a psychological thriller. There isn’t a ton of gore, though there are a few real jump-in-your-seat moments.

RYAN: Samuel L. Jackson gives a really good performance too.

CAROLINE: He’s in it for about five minutes, but I so prefer him in smaller movies like this rather than the rindonkulous crap he did in 2006.

RYAN: I also loved the way “1408” was shot. It’s beautiful and stylized, especially before the haunted part kicks in.

CAROLINE: Totally. I loved that shot of the key going into the lock.

RYAN: The lighting is great, and the effects are really good too.

CAROLINE: But I still wonder if I would have liked this movie as much as I did if an actor other than John Cusack played the lead. We all have such a fondness for him from his movies in the ‘80s and let’s be honest, he’s also a good actor. And he’s not hard on the eyes; he’s aging very well.

RYAN: Yes, at one point during the movie you leaned over to me and compared him to a fine wine.

CAROLINE: Correct. Boyfriend is looking good.

RYAN: I don’t know the actress who played his wife in this movie, but she was pretty good.

CAROLINE: It’s Mary McCormack. She’s been in a lot of stuff. Bottom line?

RYAN: I recommend this movie.

CAROLINE: I liked that it’s not a gross-out flick like “Hostel.” I think I was more freaked out by “Vacancy,” which came out earlier this year, but I did enjoy “1408” and John Cusack is always great. You won’t scream out loud during this, but you’ll definitely have some thrillifying moments. And in typical Stephen King style, the movie leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

RYAN: It’s scary, but not too scary. I’m not going to lose sleep tonight. But it’s a fun summer movie.

CAROLINE: Go John C! We love you.