It is hard to believe that it has been nine years since Carpenter’s last feature film – the highly underrated "Ghosts of Mars". I have read a number of interviews with Carpenter where he explained that his hiatus from film was the result of a lack of interest in filmmaking following a variety of difficulties he experienced with Ghosts of Mars. Fortunately he had two of the better episodes of "Masters of Horror" to keep him busy, in addition to regular trips to the bank to cash all of those cheques from the various remakes of his work that have happened over the past decade (with more on the way – Carpenter must be the most re-made filmmaker in cinema!).
Unfortunately Mr. Carpenter was not in attendance at the film’s screening. Apparently he was given a summons to appear for jury duty back in Los Angeles, and decided that staying out of jail was slightly more important than attending the premiere is his first film in nine years. Fans were, however, treated to a video from JC which he sent just in case. The video began with "if you’re watching this video, I have to report for jury duty". If was very funny, but couldn’t replace the real deal. Fortunately for everyone in attendance, the stars of the film were there and were much pettier in person than John!
The film, set in the 60s, features a young runaway named Kristen, who is captured by the police burning down an old farm house and is sent to the local mental institution. She is assigned to "the ward", which houses five other teens. Kristen soon discovers that the ward also houses the ghost of a girl named Alice, who is killing off the girls one by one. Of course, telling the nursing staff or the Psychiatrist that you are seeing a ghost in a mental ward is a sure way to ensure you won’t be getting released anytime soon and the longer the girls are locked up, the more likely they will fall prey to the serial killing spectre. Kristen must find a way to either escape, or unlock the key to Alice’s murderous bloodlust before she becomes the next victim.
Carpenter proves he is still the master of shock, and knows exactly how to manipulate an audience for "one good scare". There are plenty of chair jumper moments, and he creates a great environment inside the mental ward for ratcheting up the tension. Much like "The Fog" (the original – not that remake crap) this is a ghost that doesn’t just say "boo", but grabs the nearest sharp instrument and physically murders her victims. While this film is not as good as "The Fog", I will definitely say that it has some of the strongest performances of any Carpenter film. The actors are outstanding. Amber Heard, in particular, is incredible as Kristen, and it is easy to see why "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane". She is an excellent actor who carries the film with the support of the rest of the cast.
It’s great to have John Carpenter back in the horror game – and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
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