Youve probably never heard of this Hong Kong horror movie from Danny and Oxide Pang, the duo that gave us The Eye, which is unfortunate because this is a much creepier film. Unlikely ever to be remade starring Jessica Alba, Ab-normal Beauty tells the story of Jiney (Race Wong), a death-obsessed photographer who photographs car crash victims. As a friend attempts to curtail her obsession, Jineys behaviour catches the attention of a disturbed admirer who sends her a videotape that shows a young woman being killed. Certain its a practical joke, Janie investigates and... that's when the movie really shifts into high gear. If youre familiar with the Pangs at all, you probably know them for their English language misfires The Messengers (with Kristen Stewart) and Bangkok Dangerous (with Nicolas Cage). While more slowly paced, Ab-normal Beauty has more style and atmosphere than either, and will remain with you long after the end credits.
Ian Watson is the author of 'Midnight Movie Madness', a 600+ page guide to "bad" movies from 'Reefer Madness' to 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.'
