I’ve been told that Sydney Brier is still alive?
Pontypool (2008)
Directed By: Bruce McDonald (The Tracey Fragments)
The Prologue
Based off the novel, Pontypool is for sure one of the more different zombie/infected flicks you can find out there. Finally making it’s way to DVD this year and making it’s way to The Movie Channel this week, you could do yourself a giant favor by taking the time to check out this latest twist on the whole zombie part of the horror genre.
While I had heard of Pontypool, I had no idea what I was getting into when I kicked back to watch this, heck I almost skipped it all together, but now that I did sit down to watch it I am very VERY happy that I did.
The Movie
A psychological thriller in which a deadly virus infects a small Ontario town. And Oooooh Canada don’t we get a lot of stuff to think about in this one as the movie (like a lot of zombie movies) has a message only this one doesn’t try to ram it down your throat like say..ZMD did. Also we get to spend our time with a group of folks held up in a radio station, so think of a more well written Bad Channels with zombies in the place of the musical aliens.
Our movie here is very character driven and a little low on action, but when our main man is the radio personalty Grant Mazzy it makes the long periods of talking a lot easier to sit through. I really liked his character and I think the man’s delivery and actions in the film really hold it all together. He can be serious or come across as comedic, a solid part of this film for sure. His producer Sydney Briar is also around and while she at times almost seems like a delicate flower she can get down with the zombies (can we call them that?) when the situation gets nasty.
Now just what is the cause of all the chaos is a very good point of concern in this movie as people seem to get infected with this “virus” without the typical being bitten method that most movies of this type give us. This gives us a very fun factor in this film as at times when people start ranting it comes into question on if they are infected or just going off from the stress…Very interesting and cool in my book.
As the movie moves along the characters start to question on if it’s certain words that are infected and causing this mass outbreak of violence. A theory I don’t believe has ever been used in a movie like this before and it gives even more uniqueness to this unique film. While it’s low on gore and even low on action, it never stops making you think and to me that was a very good thing. Even when the movie wraps up you are still left questioning things so I’d dare say with Pontypool you actually have re-watch value, something lacking in lots of movies today.
Now it won’t be for everyone. But if you can handle the slower moving films with more thinking than actual terror you will find enjoyment in Pontypool. If you are all about the action then this won’t be for you but if you like deep thinking then perhaps this is THE zombie film for you.
The Conclusion
I’ll admit I really really enjoyed this one. It made me think, it had just enough action and comedic stuff at times to hold my attention from start to finish. It just has something different about it that is hard to place a finger on. Maybe it’s the way it’s written, maybe it’s the stylish way it’s made, I’m not sure but I did enjoy it greatly.
Not for everyone of you out there, but those who like it will probably LOVE it.
The Rating (7.5/10)
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