Grade: 6 / 10

Stephen King stories adapted for film are either classically good or notoriously bad.

For as many “Shawshanks” and “Shinings” that are out, there are twice as many “Tommyknockers” and “Thinners.”

However, when it comes to one of this summer’s sleeper hits “1408,” not much can be said. The film itself is not that good, and it’s not that bad.

John Cusack plays an author and investigator of paranormal activities. His specialty is dispelling any truth to the strange claims of the paranormal, and his latest case just happens to be a hotel room where 56 people have mysteriously died.

While staying in room 1408, Cusak begins his investigation and finds himself amidst a supernatural experience.

At times, the film plays like a Hitchcock story and is carried by the ferocity of Cusack.

However, there are also times when the film goes off the deep end with extended dream sequences and special effects. And as always, the brief appearance of Samuel L. Jackson gives the film, as it would any film, a touch of class and credibility.

“1408” is a good idea on paper, but the overall execution of bringing King’s ideas to the screen leaves much to be desired.