THE GHOST THEATER (MIDNIGHT BALLAD FOR GHOST THEATER) (****1/2)

(2006) A musical comedy-horror film that's been compared to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the simple plot behind this unique and fun Korean film revolves around a young girl who, in searching for her missing grandmother, ends up working at the rundown movie theater her grandmother was supposedly on her way to, when she vanished.  One night while there, she meets the four ghosts who haunt the theater, all of them members of an acting troupe that may hold the key to her grandmother's whereabouts, if only she can get hold of the one never-before-seen film the troupe members all made together, and show it.  Problem is, there are those who don't want the film shown, as well as potential consequences if it is!  The soundtrack is killer, with songs ranging from hardcore rocking angry-girl rants to a wonderful ballad to music that reveals some of the ghosts' background stories.  The ending may be a bit too odd for some, but I loved the film and can see why, while not as popular on its initial release, has like Rocky Horror developed a cult following since.  A film I'd been trying to find and see for well over a year, since discovering clips on YouTube, and I'm so glad a friend was able to finally track it down for me (thank you, Christine!).  (not rated)

MIDNIGHT BALLAD FOR GHOST THEATER clip
(the original clip I saw that turned me onto seeing the film; could not find an English-language subtitled trailer, sorry)