70's and early-mid 80's Carpenter (specifically with Dean Cundey as his cinematographer/DOP) is miles away in quality to anything he's done since. The stuff he's put out with Gary B. Kibbe as DOP is not in the same league.
However, there has been a staggering drop off in Carpenter's story-telling abilities since 98's Vampires, with Ghosts of Mars being one of the most disappointing movies I have ever seen.
Masters of Horror episode Cigarette Burns was a partial return to form, showing the Carpenter might still have what it takes to make a comeback - let's hope new feature The Ward is better than his recent career decline indicates.
Even if he doesn't get back on track, don't forget we'll always have the JC classics. I can't think of any other director in recent history with so many bonefide classics in his CV.
Halloween is my fave film of all time, BTW.
Rotor