Review of Pontypool (2009) by Jeremy W — 29 Dec 2009

Pontypool is a intriguing trip and a different concept on an ordinary story.

This is a psychological thriller in which a deadly virus infects a small Ontario town. A radio host begins to receive calls from listeners informing him that a riot of babbling town folk destroying buildings and killing each other. The virus is spread through the English language and drives people mad. The host and work mates try to stay out of the confusion and find a way to fix this massacre.

I was thoroughly impressed right to minute 63 then it almost completely lost me. I think if it found a way to end without giving me the (Plot-line,why) reason for the chaos I would have been much more pleased. The beginning started off strong with well thought out story and characters. The actors were believable and quite interesting. I enjoyed Grant Mazzy played by Stephen McHattie the most. His acting was solid and his radio voice is perfect. The story starts with obvious struggling relationships and ends with compassion, which is a little foreseen but kind of necessary. The best part was definitely was when Radio host starts to snap. The camera close up with wide eyes and mumbling nonsense was tense.

One of the things I enjoyed was how it reminded me of old time radio like War of the Worlds many years ago before it became a film. It also had subtle hints of a Steven king style novel. Now with all these positives it would sound like a great story and it should have been but like I said it lost me at minute 63. When they explained that all the madness was caused by the psychological understanding of the hidden meaning of the English language I couldn't help but laugh. From then on it all felt like a joke played on me for watching. I liked so much about this film like how they didn't show the crazy people outside but left that up to the imagination. The ending put the topping on the sundae it would have been more fun if they all lost it and killed everyone. But whatever.

This movie didn't suck but I wouldn't suggest watching it. Many people loved it so what do I know. Watch it at your own risk.