It is very common that John Carpenters films get a lot of beating when they get out. When 'The Thing' was released, it was shot to the ground, 'Escape From New York' got beat up, 'The Fog' was a disaster etc. Look at those films today... They are true classics and some of the best on the marked. Okay, 'Vampires' DID suck, but what about 'Ghosts of Mars'?

The story is a classic Carpenter; the group of people who faces the unknown - Not the most original setup but so what, it works! 'Ghosts of Mars' is not a straight horror film. It is a cocktail of great action, cool science fiction and minor horror/gore. The effects are also typical Carpenter: not the best, but still looking cool. The gore is extremely well made and especially the piercing scenes really get to you! The score is the one of the most important things of this film; it makes just the right mood and just screams for action!

And the acting is awesome;

- Natasha Henstridge is surprisingly good as Lt.… more »

It is very common that John Carpenters films get a lot of beating when they get out. When 'The Thing' was released, it was shot to the ground, 'Escape From New York' got beat up, 'The Fog' was a disaster etc. Look at those films today... They are true classics and some of the best on the marked. Okay, 'Vampires' DID suck, but what about 'Ghosts of Mars'?

The story is a classic Carpenter; the group of people who faces the unknown - Not the most original setup but so what, it works! 'Ghosts of Mars' is not a straight horror film. It is a cocktail of great action, cool science fiction and minor horror/gore. The effects are also typical Carpenter: not the best, but still looking cool. The gore is extremely well made and especially the piercing scenes really get to you! The score is the one of the most important things of this film; it makes just the right mood and just screams for action!

And the acting is awesome;

- Natasha Henstridge is surprisingly good as Lt. Melanie Ballard, and proves that she can carry an action film without any problems.

- Ice Cube does his usual actionman as James 'Desolation' Williams, but still a great job.

- Joanna Cassidy couldn't be better as the doctor, who unleashes the ghosts.

- But above all of them is OVERLY cool Jason Statham as Sgt. Jericho Butler. He is one of the most underrated actors of all time!

- The only actor, who never finds her role, is Clea DuVall as one of the rookies. She doesn't seem to fit in an action film. Unfortunately.

'Ghosts of Mars' have been called the most awful things, among others "a disaster". But just give it time. In 20 years, this film will be much more appreciated than it is today. I still love this film as a slam-bam action flick - watch it and make up your own mind.