By Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

Directed by John Carpenter

Rated R, 88 minutes

There is no denying that John Carpenter is one of the most talented directors to ever step behind a camera. The man created some of the most iconic characters in film and had a string of hits through the '80s and '90s. But after the underrated "Ghost of Mars" was released in 2001, he stopped directing. When it was announced that Carpenter had a new film, the excitement built. But after reading the premise — girls stuck in a mental asylum with a killer on the loose — the thoughts of greatness faded. And just as predicted, "The Ward" falls flat. Even with a cast full of hotties — including Amber Heard, Danielle Pannabaker and Lyndsy Fonseca — the story is tired, the scares minimal and the ending is predictable. Although there are scenes that show Carpenter's genius, "The Ward" just doesn't come together. Skip it and watch "Big Trouble in Little China" instead. CV

'Escape from New York'

Directed by John Carpenter

1981, Rated R, 99 minutes

From 1981 to 1986, director John Carpenter made three amazing films with Kurt Russell including "Escape from New York," "The Thing" and "Big Trouble in Little China." One of these, "Escape from New York" took place in a futuristic 1997, where criminals are sent to giant max security prisons that used to be cities. When terrorists overrun the president's plane, he escapes before it crashes, landing in Manhattan, where "once you go in, you don't come out." Unable to save the president, the government captures a soldier turned criminal named Snake Plissken and poisons him, forcing him to rescue the president within 24 hours. If he completes the mission, he receives the antidote and a pardon. If he doesn't, he dies. "Escape from New York" is a fun-filled, action-packed ride that shows not only Carpenter's skills as a director but also as a composer. CV