Review of New Blood (2002) by Mattias E — 12 Mar 2010

Before becoming a Johnnie To-endorsed filmfest celeb, Soi Cheang Pou-Soi was busy making a bunch of horror movies of various quality. In New Blood, featuring Niki Chow and a couple of no names, the usual hilariousness that HK directors often find compatible with ghosts and spirits is completely absent, as Cheang plays it straight for better or for worse.

Since Cheang knows the tricks of the trade pretty well, New Blood is a competent work but seldom surprising and never genuinely creepy. There is a DIY-aspect to the film that I'm quite sympathetic too, however, and sometimes just sheer enthusiasm is worth all respect.