One of the problems in today's horror genre, is that it's really hard to come with something original and horrifying (and I'm not talking about non-stop gore). The problem with pg-13 horror is that the script is pretty terrible. And the problem with American remakes of well-praised foreign films is that it looses it's feel.
Pontypool was really refreshing. I about this flick on Rue Morgue Magazine and caught my interest. This was based on a novel by Tony Burgess (who also did the script). And was directed by Bruce McDonald, who did an amazing job with bringing that atmosphere.
The movie is about Grant Mazzy (played by Stephen McHattie), who is a radio DJ with some conservative views. When there was reports of people attacking a hospital, Grant, his producer, Sydney and engineer, Laurel-Ann are stuck in station when a message interrupted their signal, telling the people in Pontypool to stay inside. All of a sudden, the situation in Pontypool is making news around the World. A reporter from BBC news calls the radio station to find out what's the situation. Sadly, Grant and the crew don't know what's going on. Ken, who does the traffic report, tells in details of what is happening outside. In the end, the crew find out what they are dealing with, when the radio station is under attack.
Now this isn't a zombie movie. It's more like, as Umberto Lenzi would say, "infected people". Well, it's not a virus that's going around, it's more of a word that makes people go crazy. It's really unique, which is why I found this flick interesting. The build up is great. In the first half, they are trying to figure out what's going on. In the second half, that is when all hell brakes loose. The thought of being stuck somewhere, not knowing what the hell is going on, can be frightening. Especially when you're not out there with your love ones.
The acting is well done. The suspense was great. There isn't really any gore. The closest is when one of the crew gets infected. Pontypool is perfect movie if you want something smart and well executed.
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