A ghost of a horror film

John Carpenter is bar-none one of the best genre directors working in Hollywood. He practically invented the horror film.\nThe pedigree of Carpenter's work makes his latest opus, "Ghosts of Mars" slightly disappointing. This is nothing more than a futuristic sci-fi/ horror riff on the traditional western narrative.\nNatasha Henstridge stars as Melody Ballard, a tough-as-nails cop who is in the midst of making a routine prison transport to a barren Mars outpost. Then all hell breaks loose -- decapitated bodies amass and gallons of blood are spilt.\nSomeone has to be held responsible for the massive bloodletting. Enter their infamous prisoner Desolation Williams (Ice Cube). Williams eventually sides with the officers in a battle for their lives against a group of former miners, transformed into crazed, self-mutilating monsters by a mythic spirit that inhabits the planet. More violence ensues, then the credits roll.\n"Ghosts of Mars" begins as a mildly thought provoking film, boldly addressing issues such as drug abuse, race relations and sexuality in its first quarter, but the social relevance quickly dissipates and carnage reigns.\nIce Cube turns in a schizophrenic performance in the film. He oscillates unnaturally between child-like innocence and bombastic action hero bravado. \nHenstridge gives her best performance to date, infusing her likeable character with a sense of honor. \nThe film is slightly reminiscent of Carpenter's early masterwork "Assault on Precinct 13," but to a greatly diminished degree. Viewers should familiarize themselves with this under-appreciated director's catalogue rather than trek out to view this mediocre glimpse at successes past.