1408 (2007)

 

A man who specialises in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror. 

Above-average Stephen King adaptation delivers the scary goods with a good John Cusack performance, but after a genuinely doom-laden introduction slowly goes over the top and adds an ambiguous ending.

Maltin***: "Genuinely scary chiller, nicely paced with clever touches, brings new meaning to the Carpenters' song "We've Only Just Begun.""

 

Escape Plan (2013)

When a structural-security authority finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world's most secret and secure prison, he has to use his skills to escape with help from the inside.

Mainly efficient, but unambitious sci-fi actioner is watchable for its nice pairing of Stallone and Schwarzenberger.

Maltin**1/2: "Better-than-expected prison drama...Blessedly old-fashioned vehicle for Stallone allows him to be tough as nails...Totally ludicrous but entertaining on its own terms. It's fun to watch Sly and Arnold together."

Shanghai (2010)

An American expat returns to Shanghai in the months before Pearl Harbor due to the death of his friend.

Nicely produced and photographed spy thriller as a homage to the 40s Noir series; however, it's all on the surface, the star cast work only perfunctory, and the movie fails to spark any emotions.