The Ward , John Carpenter’s first directorial effort in 10 years, is not an ideal hiatus-buster. The premise itself — a psych ward for young women is the site of a killing spree — is somewhat pre-Carpenter, and the toe-dip into torture porn feels a little desperate. But his budget-blond lead, B-movie mistress Amber Heard, is well-chosen, and the combination of an excellent supporting cast and a pliable theme work to offset the sizable debits incurred by the often rote direction and seriously iffy ending.
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REVIEW: Amber Heard Brings Some Intrigue to Otherwise Uninspired The Ward