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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated 1408 (2007) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
For writer Mike Enslin (John Cusack), ghosts and the supernatural are simply myths people use to bolster the local economy with tourism dollars. Mike has made a career of evaluating and debunking so called haunted inns, hotels, graveyards, and locales all over the nation.
While his books do well enough for his editors to be happy with his work, and for locales to be included in his next book, Mike lives a life of routine.
One a promising author, Mike abandoned his novels for his haunted travel guides, and a life of hotels and sparsely attended book signings.
While Mike is evaluating the numerous brochures sent to him by prospective topics, he notices a simple hotel post card that features the simple message “Do not stay in room 1408”. Intrigued, Mike attempts to book the room for a review, but is unable to as the room is no longer available to the public.
With the help of his editor and the legal staff, Mike is able to cover the mysterious room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York.
Upon his arrival, Mike is greeted by the hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson), who offers numerous incentives ranging from rare Brandy, to a penthouse suite if Mike will give up his request to stay in 1408.
It is learned that over 50 people have died while staying in that room and that nobody has even been able to last an hour before befalling some horrific tragedy. Mike is convinced that this is all just part of the hype and that Olin is simply trying to scare him off.
Despite the numerous pleads from Olin to reconsider, Mike insists upon staying in the room, and is soon alone in room 1408.
Upon entering the room, Mike finds it to be a cozy and well maintained room. At first nothing seems out of the ordinary, until a couple of bizarre things happen. Mike is at first convinced there is a member of the hotel staff in hiding, who is playing a trick on him, but soon, Mike realizes just how and why 1408 earned its reputation.
What follows is a serious of horrors that Mike is unable to escape from, despite his best efforts, and he must figure out the mystery of 1408 before it kills him.
The film is based on a short story by Stephen King and is one of the better adaptations of the author’s works. Briskly paced at around 90-minutes, the film is careful to setup the characters and locale, but once the bizarre starts, the audience is in for a thrill ride complete with twists, turns, and some bizarre and suspenseful moments.
Cusack does a masterful job of portraying the conflicted Mike, but never lets you lose sympathy for the man, and displays a very effective ability to blend action, horror, emotions, and pathos, as Mike walks a razor thin line between reality and chaos.
It is especially effective given the fact that Cusack has to carry large segments of the film on his own, without any co-stars in much of his scenes.
The film does lose some momentum in the final 20 minutes, but still rebounds nicely to come to an effective and memorable ending without overusing many of the hackneyed horror film staples.
That being said if chills are what you are looking for this summer, then make sure to check into ?”
While his books do well enough for his editors to be happy with his work, and for locales to be included in his next book, Mike lives a life of routine.
One a promising author, Mike abandoned his novels for his haunted travel guides, and a life of hotels and sparsely attended book signings.
While Mike is evaluating the numerous brochures sent to him by prospective topics, he notices a simple hotel post card that features the simple message “Do not stay in room 1408”. Intrigued, Mike attempts to book the room for a review, but is unable to as the room is no longer available to the public.
With the help of his editor and the legal staff, Mike is able to cover the mysterious room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York.
Upon his arrival, Mike is greeted by the hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson), who offers numerous incentives ranging from rare Brandy, to a penthouse suite if Mike will give up his request to stay in 1408.
It is learned that over 50 people have died while staying in that room and that nobody has even been able to last an hour before befalling some horrific tragedy. Mike is convinced that this is all just part of the hype and that Olin is simply trying to scare him off.
Despite the numerous pleads from Olin to reconsider, Mike insists upon staying in the room, and is soon alone in room 1408.
Upon entering the room, Mike finds it to be a cozy and well maintained room. At first nothing seems out of the ordinary, until a couple of bizarre things happen. Mike is at first convinced there is a member of the hotel staff in hiding, who is playing a trick on him, but soon, Mike realizes just how and why 1408 earned its reputation.
What follows is a serious of horrors that Mike is unable to escape from, despite his best efforts, and he must figure out the mystery of 1408 before it kills him.
The film is based on a short story by Stephen King and is one of the better adaptations of the author’s works. Briskly paced at around 90-minutes, the film is careful to setup the characters and locale, but once the bizarre starts, the audience is in for a thrill ride complete with twists, turns, and some bizarre and suspenseful moments.
Cusack does a masterful job of portraying the conflicted Mike, but never lets you lose sympathy for the man, and displays a very effective ability to blend action, horror, emotions, and pathos, as Mike walks a razor thin line between reality and chaos.
It is especially effective given the fact that Cusack has to carry large segments of the film on his own, without any co-stars in much of his scenes.
The film does lose some momentum in the final 20 minutes, but still rebounds nicely to come to an effective and memorable ending without overusing many of the hackneyed horror film staples.
That being said if chills are what you are looking for this summer, then make sure to check into ?”
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Merissa (13600 KP) rated Turkish Delights in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Totally Bound Publishing in return for a fair and honest review.
The premise of this story is that 3 men from different walks of life all come together to build a new, top of the range, hotel in Istanbul. Two of the men know each other already through work and are both attracted to each other but have never acted upon it due to mixing "business with pleasure". The third man comes along to help with the authenticity of the project with his amazing sculptures.
I can only imagine the hours upon hours of research that has been put into this book, which makes the story full of Eastern Promise and richness. The descriptions of Istanbul, the hotel in process, architecture, religion and what it means to specific families and people, it's all here. This gives the story a certain something which takes it above and beyond a 'usual' M/M or ménage story. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sex in this book if that is all you are interested in but personally, I feel like you'd be missing out on a whole lot more if you just skim to the sexy bits.
Incredibly well put together with a depth of knowledge and research that makes it a joy to read.
*** Minor Spoiler ***
I loved the part towards the end where Emir uncovers a sculpture he has done and it is all in sets of three. A small thing, unknown to most, that can mean so much. A wonderful touch.
Definitely recommended for all fans of M/M and Ménage and this is certainly an author for me to watch.
The premise of this story is that 3 men from different walks of life all come together to build a new, top of the range, hotel in Istanbul. Two of the men know each other already through work and are both attracted to each other but have never acted upon it due to mixing "business with pleasure". The third man comes along to help with the authenticity of the project with his amazing sculptures.
I can only imagine the hours upon hours of research that has been put into this book, which makes the story full of Eastern Promise and richness. The descriptions of Istanbul, the hotel in process, architecture, religion and what it means to specific families and people, it's all here. This gives the story a certain something which takes it above and beyond a 'usual' M/M or ménage story. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sex in this book if that is all you are interested in but personally, I feel like you'd be missing out on a whole lot more if you just skim to the sexy bits.
Incredibly well put together with a depth of knowledge and research that makes it a joy to read.
*** Minor Spoiler ***
I loved the part towards the end where Emir uncovers a sculpture he has done and it is all in sets of three. A small thing, unknown to most, that can mean so much. A wonderful touch.
Definitely recommended for all fans of M/M and Ménage and this is certainly an author for me to watch.
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Sue (5 KP) rated Paper, Scissors, Death (Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery, #1) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
book description:
Mousy housewife Kiki Lowenstein has two great loves: scrapbooking and her young daughter, Anya. But her happy family album is ruined when her husband, George, is found naked and dead in a hotel room. As Kiki tracks down George's murderer, she discovers his sordid secret life.
Cruel taunts by George's former flame compel Kiki to spout an unwise threat. When the woman is murdered, Kiki's scissor-sharp words make her the prime suspect. She could be creating scrapbook keepsakes for the rest of her life-behind bars. Supported by her loyal friends, along with a little help (and a lot of stomach flutters) from the dashing Detective Detweiler, can Kiki cut the true killer out of the picture and design a new life for herself and Anya?
Mousy housewife Kiki Lowenstein has two great loves: scrapbooking and her young daughter, Anya. But her happy family album is ruined when her husband, George, is found naked and dead in a hotel room. As Kiki tracks down George's murderer, she discovers his sordid secret life.
Cruel taunts by George's former flame compel Kiki to spout an unwise threat. When the woman is murdered, Kiki's scissor-sharp words make her the prime suspect. She could be creating scrapbook keepsakes for the rest of her life-behind bars. Supported by her loyal friends, along with a little help (and a lot of stomach flutters) from the dashing Detective Detweiler, can Kiki cut the true killer out of the picture and design a new life for herself and Anya?
Sue (5 KP) rated Paper, Scissors, Death (Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery, #1) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
book description:
Mousy housewife Kiki Lowenstein has two great loves: scrapbooking and her young daughter, Anya. But her happy family album is ruined when her husband, George, is found naked and dead in a hotel room. As Kiki tracks down George's murderer, she discovers his sordid secret life.
Cruel taunts by George's former flame compel Kiki to spout an unwise threat. When the woman is murdered, Kiki's scissor-sharp words make her the prime suspect. She could be creating scrapbook keepsakes for the rest of her life-behind bars. Supported by her loyal friends, along with a little help (and a lot of stomach flutters) from the dashing Detective Detweiler, can Kiki cut the true killer out of the picture and design a new life for herself and Anya?
Mousy housewife Kiki Lowenstein has two great loves: scrapbooking and her young daughter, Anya. But her happy family album is ruined when her husband, George, is found naked and dead in a hotel room. As Kiki tracks down George's murderer, she discovers his sordid secret life.
Cruel taunts by George's former flame compel Kiki to spout an unwise threat. When the woman is murdered, Kiki's scissor-sharp words make her the prime suspect. She could be creating scrapbook keepsakes for the rest of her life-behind bars. Supported by her loyal friends, along with a little help (and a lot of stomach flutters) from the dashing Detective Detweiler, can Kiki cut the true killer out of the picture and design a new life for herself and Anya?
Erika (17789 KP) rated Voyeur (2017) in Movies
Dec 22, 2019
It seems as though the only thing that Netflix does well is true crime documentaries and series.
This was an interesting one, it was about this dude who bought a hotel in the 1960s to spy on guests and satisfy his voyeuristic tendencies. Interpret that as you see fit. The dude's a creepy dirt bag and it made me feel slightly sick to my stomach hearing about his adventures.
This documentary follows the journalist who is writing the story, Gay, and features interviews with the creep. It's very interesting to see the process that this old-school journalist takes, and his wariness about the whole thing.
Is the voyeur telling the truth? Or just making this stuff up?
If you can stomach the disgusting dude's exploits, it's an interesting watch.
This was an interesting one, it was about this dude who bought a hotel in the 1960s to spy on guests and satisfy his voyeuristic tendencies. Interpret that as you see fit. The dude's a creepy dirt bag and it made me feel slightly sick to my stomach hearing about his adventures.
This documentary follows the journalist who is writing the story, Gay, and features interviews with the creep. It's very interesting to see the process that this old-school journalist takes, and his wariness about the whole thing.
Is the voyeur telling the truth? Or just making this stuff up?
If you can stomach the disgusting dude's exploits, it's an interesting watch.