The Ward and a Haunting Legend: A Movie Review

Director: John Carpenter.

Writers: Michael Rasmussen and Shawn Rasmussen.

Director John Carpenter has not directed a feature film for nearly ten years. In 2005, Carpenter participated in two 'Masters of Horror' episodes; so, he is still familiar with the genre, but that is a long way for Carpenter fans. Now, Carpenter's The Ward has been shown at several film festivals and the film is also available on video-on-demand, with a DVD release August 16th. Carpenter returns to the horror genre, as if he never left. The Ward is a psychological thriller with enough neuroses to fill up a few psychiatric hospitals and here Kristen (Amber Heard) tries to resolve some of these demons for the delight of viewers.

Kristen is admitted to the North Bend Psychiatric Hospital, after she sets fire to a local farmhouse. Strangely, she is not sent to prison, but to a dark, and haunted place. At the hospital, Kristen makes four new friends, each of whom is almost identical in age to Kristen. The Ward is told much like a revengeful ghost story. However, there is a lot more psychology at work here. Disappearances, psychiatrists and two way mirrors should clue some viewers in to what will come next, but, for once, no spoilers will be revealed here.

The ghostly figure haunting the halls is Alice (Mika Boorem). She is a ghastly sight, hidden behind a greenish visage. She has a tendency to electrocute others, while jumping out of corners to frighten reviewers and The Ward has some of the better jump scares that this film lover has seen in awhile. The settings are all appropriately set to match the '60s time and the style of clothing, or hair styles might bring back nostalgia for some.

Overall, this is a tightly wound psychological thriller, that has an excellent late reveal. The film seems satisfying all the way through, as Kristen attempts to escape the ward. The music is up tempo enough and the only minor critique would involve the short running time. This film ends a little too early, as the ending is slightly hurried. Yet, this is a worthy time spent with one of the true 'Masters of Horror.'. Check this one out at a film festival near you or on video-on-demand.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (effective jump scares, good acting, and a well written story).

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Posted in: 2011,Amber Heard,john carpenter,movie review,psychological thriller movie review,the ward