Pontypool

Film Review by Becky Bartlett | 09 Oct 2009
Film title: Pontypool
Director: Bruce McDonald
Starring: Stephen McHattie
Release date: 16 Oct 2009
Certificate: TBC

Pontypool may be disguised as a zombie film, but it in fact offers a whole new take on the concept. More in keeping with the plague-ridden undead in 28 Days Later, the menace here is infected people, all seen - or more accurately, heard - by Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), a wizened, grizzly radio DJ in the small town of Pontypool, Canada. Almost nothing is seen outside the radio station, instead the tension arises as increasingly hysterical reports of riots and bizarre swarms of people are phoned in. Relying heavily on casting, director Bruce McDonald (who some may recognise as the director of ultra-low-budget Canadian horror Roadkill) has found the perfect actor in McHattie, whose disgruntled performance and sleazy, growling voice are ideal for the role. With the abundance of special effects in cinema today, Pontypool is a refreshing reminder that clever shooting and a smart concept can be equally (if not more) intense than the big reveal.

http://www.pontypoolmovie.com