Travis Lytle’s review published on Letterboxd:
Expanding on Stephen King's short story, Mikael Håfstrom's "1408" is a solid horror film that misses opportunities to be striking. Following an author who writes about all manner of haunted locations, the film observes the effects of a reputedly haunted hotel room on that writer. Håfstrom's direction creates on expansive and good-looking canvas, but the film's script limits how effectively "1408" plays out.
John Cusack plays writer, Mike Enslin, and puts forth a weary charisma. Spending a night in yet another hotel room reputedly appointed with apparitions, Enslin quickly finds he has gotten in over his head when the room's reputation is proved to be based in fact. It is not a standard haunted house tale or ghost story, as Enslin may be the victim of his own psyche as much as ectoplasm. Regardless, the film does not push in either direction enough to fully satisfy, instead basking in cliche and tired beats.
Still, it is all very watchable, and Håfstrom creates some solid atmosphere and tension early on. His compositions are airy and gold-hued, as if the world of the film is a well-appointed hotel lobby. His camera is fluid, and his direction allows both Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson to hold down the screen with their respective personalities. Jolts and horror thrills are present throughout and effectively placed. The film may have been better served if those jolts were based fully in the supernatural or psychological, but they keep "1408" moving steadily.
Though it may come off as a half-cooked thriller at times, "1408" is solid stab at horror. It lacks the depth and narrative richness needed to be a great genre outing, but it easily satisfies with its visual appeal, strong leads, and ample chills.