longdefunct prison shut  years reopened ethan sharpe the late great character actor lane smith guard there put place warden prisoners put work fixing place up theyre instructed break old execution room unleashes fierce spirit wreaks merciless havoc upon guards prisoners coolascanbe lowkey prisoner burke viggo mortensen showing real poise early role thrust role herobr br i know nobrainer praise film atmosphere it shot actual abandoned penitentiary near rawlins wyoming elevates horror film higher level got great sense foreboding established right outset director renny harlin made fourth directorial effort here got nightmare elm street  directing gig effectively began impressive career mainstream action movies thrillers horror filmsbr br it may stock characters got capable cast bringing life chelsea field young woman vying prison reform lincoln kilpatrick weary veteran convict cresus tom everett restless con rabbitt ivan kane outgoing lasagna tommy tiny lister softspoken giant tiny arlen dean snyder captain horton also worth noting early acting credit kane hodder as vengeful spirit helped him land gig playing jason voorhees friday th seriesbr br decent special effects moody lighting courtesy prolific genre cinematographer mac ahlberg spooky music richard band christopher stone great visuals incredibly gloomy location overall flashy intense presentation help make quite entertaining nasty gruesome good fun horror fanbr br 