Recognized for its artistic superiority, Memento Mori, a second installment to the Whispering Corridors series, is a failed horror movie. Not surprisingly, the audience gave it the cold shoulder to the extent that the box office performance made such a disastrous comparison with that of the series opener. Whishing Stairs, a third installment to the series, has obviously gone back to the high doses of horror adopted by the first installment. Directed by a female unlike its two predecessors, Whishing Stairs uses the same-named entity as the primary material in weaving a horrific story unfolding at a high school, mixing it with typical school-year drama such as rivalry, friendship (or pseudo-friendship?), jealousy and envy, as well as an outcast alienated for her less-than-flattering figure and erratic behavior. Starring PARK Han Byul, the then Internet star voted for having the most beautiful face, as the heroine, the film showcases more fresh faces like SONG Ji Hyo and Joan. Like Whispering Corridors, Wishing Stairs faithfully follows the horror fare format, with some outstanding special effects, e.g., a face engraved in stone stairs and a ghost coming into the room through the window. But the intention outperforms the execution, particularly owing to the failure to take advantage of the wishing stairs which are not only the subheading but also the primary material of the entire film. ‘Walk up the stairs, and then your wish will be granted.’ Well, that’s about all they seem to do. When it comes to special makeup, however, this installment offers the best effects ever among all other installments. For example, Joan is transformed by the hands of LEE Chang Man into a full-figured woman from a bone-skinny girl, almost provoking envy from Hollywood. (KIM Jong Chul)