Saw this on a DVD in 2005. Revisited it recently. Ther is something creepy about films set in asylums, hospitals n institutions. But these films need good amount of atmosphere n suspense. Well, Madhouse ain't one of em but its not that bad. The story is about an intern who before graduating arrives at a mental health facility where he notices that there is something weird going on. In the institution there is a restricted area where the most dangerous patients are kept permanently locked up. Silence of the lambs style. Patients r given the same medicines n mysteriously people r murdered in gruesome ways. Sadly only two kills in this film. The movie has decent atmosphere n suspense. Ther is a nice twist. Ther is enuff gore. The acting was dull but it is always good to see our genre actor Lance Henriksen. Sadly he is not given enuff screen time. Of course ther r much better films than this. The Ward, Psych 9, Session 9, Patrick, Shutter island, Asylum blackout, Insanitarium....

This movie is admittedly better than the usual fare horror fans are offered, however it was still missing something. The majority of the characters were interesting, though at times they seemed too perfectly tailored for their roles.

The movie is suspenseful for the most part and keeps you guessing. At times, things seemed kind of corny (worms and men with eyeliner don't scare ME, for instance) and certain plot points are never explored to their full potential.

All in all, it's a movie worth seeing (especially if you're into the genre). Reminded me a little of a juvenile version of Session 9... but if given the choice between the two, I'd choose Session 9 again!

The horror/thriller is about a rookie intern who checks into a mental health facility and discovers its darkest secrets as well as his own ones. Excellent sound effects, above average photography and smart script filled with plenty of shock moments make this film real fun to watch for fans of this genre. Joshua Leonard, a veteran in such films, acts quite well as the lead character.

But there are loopholes in the plot. One can clearly see them after a single viewing. The ending is catchy, but utterly unnecessary. Jordan Ladd hardly looks like any medical personnel. But most of all, the actions of the patients are very much exaggerated and overtly dramatic. Apart from these points, 'Madhouse' is worth renting, because the 'thrill' element is in right proportions in the film.