October 1: The Maid (2005)

Self-proclaimed "Singapore's first homegrown horror movie." I guess they need to sprout a couple more before they get it right.

A young maid arrives in the Philippines during the Chinese Calendar's 7th month/Ghost Month; during which the gates of hell open, allowing the dead to walk the earth for 30 days as they attempt to blend in with the living.

What this movie got right was the innovative "reveal" of the pesky ghosts trying to fly under the radar. Reminded me of what Pulse (2001) did well.

The clumsy pacing brought it down, though (I have similar feelings towards Ju-On [The Grudge] [2002]). You want it to be good, and there are a few great moments, but it crashes and burns because the writer was Little Chrissy on time release Adderall.

And even though the combination of Mandarin and English was an interesting approach, the English-spoken lines still needed subtitles. Truthfully, some of the actors' English really hindered my total understanding of the story.

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One last thing... All I can hear is the "Pants on the Ground" lyricist preaching about 'Hair in the Face.'