User reviews

I would have watched a series with Stephen McHattie playing a small town DJ. With his cowboy hat on. Man he's good in this.

Pontypool is one of the few horror movie that used a little creativity and proves you don't need a high budget to a make horror film. The story circles around a local radio station and its crew of three people. As the day moves on they slowly start to here reports of violence happening all over the region. This includes riots, people killing each other and intervention from the Canadian Government. Soon they find themselves hiding in the station from the horror out side they are reporting. If that was not bad enough, they can't figure what's going on. Pontypool takes a very different and more effective way at trying to scare its audience. Most western horror these days seem to mainly focus on jump scares or brutal kill scenes alone. Pontypool on the other hand gives a few vague descriptions on what's actually going on out there. For most of the movie you really are just listening to a broadcast and testimonies of eye witness. This leaves the viewer having his own imagination working against him for a big chunk of the film. For me this was the most strongest for the first half of the film when we don't know what's causing the hysteria. I actually only have one real complaint which I felt the ending could have been better. I didn't hate the ending it just feels kind of weak compared to what we see earlier. I would go into more detail but that would results in some spoilers.

Overall it's a fun creepy horror movie that could be enjoyable for Halloween. I give it a few extra points for what they were able to pull off on a low budget and for an interesting experiment in horror.

Thats why I give this radio broadcast from hell an 8 out of 10.

Stephen McHattie's mesmerizing performance as down-on-his-luck Radio talk show host, Grant Mazzy, bolsters an already intriguing premise that deals with a peculiar zombie outbreak that centers around linguistics in a way that I not only found interesting but the movie actually had me eagerly anticipating the sequel, but also making a beeline to get hold of both the books that originated their respective movies. That, my friend, is the sign of a good film. The only real trepidation the film caused me is the ending which I found awfully lackluster. Otherwise, the film caught my fancy.

Ps: Stick through the credits as the movie isn't truly over

I saw this film at the Toronto film festival, and I must say it was superb. It's a zombie flick that isn't a zombie flick--it really breaks out of the genre. At times honestly hilarious and truly suspenseful at others, it was one of my top three films I saw at the festival. The IMDb synopsis doesn't do it justice. The main character loves to throw out references to linguistics and literary critics, and the "transmission" of the virus fits perfectly. Stephen McHattie did a fantastic job, as did Lisa Houle and Georgina Reilly. Even though the "we're stuck in a building surrounded by zombies" is a well-used setup, Pontypool is so different from most zombie movies that it doesn't feel hackneyed. Altogether, it's a totally fresh, exciting movie. If you can get your hands on it, watch it!

It's low budget, but I think they really work with it. The film is in one location, because it focuses on a radio station, as a zombie outbreak is happening, and calls and reports come in with what is happening. It starts off slow, but builds up more.

So it is more creepy than action based or, gory. It has some pretty interesting theories to how the zombie virus is spreading. It's certainly a stretch, but I like that's it's exploding something different.

It's an enjoyable watch if you just allow you suspension of disbelief, and fancy something with a different pace.

Pontypool was an amazing film for a number of reasons.The story pays a respectful homage to horror greats like Night of the Living Dead and 28 Days later without ever becoming cliché. The approach to the mass "infection" was something that I never saw coming. The acting was excellent and I got the genuine impression I was listening to talk/news radio. The authenticity of the radio broadcast and culminating events were enough to actually draw me into the anxiety that the characters felt,which says a lot considering the 2-dimensional feel of the majority of movies I have seen as of late. I highly recommend this movie to any real sci-fi/horror fan that is fed up with the standard fair.Also, watch the final frames after the credits! Great job. 10/10

I avoided Pontypool for a long time mistaking it for a conventional zombie movie but it absolutely is not. Pontypool is a twist on both the zombie concept and the way the story is told which leaves a great deal to the audience's imagination. The lead actor is charismatic and has an incredible voice for radio and the professional chemistry with his producer is really exciting to watch. There is the occasional cliche and needless, clumsy exposition but there is a huge amount of originality which places this well into the upper echelons of psychological horror films. It's also very funny in places.

I remember purchasing this book back in 2008 because it was a Canadian zombie story that takes place in a little nowhere Ontario town called Pontypool. The back of the book had me laughing and intrigued by the description.

A virus. Flesh eating zombies. A body count in the millions has decimated Ontario's population. What if you woke up and began your morning by devoting the rest of your life to a murderous rampage, a never-ending cannibalistic spree? And what if you were only one of thousands who shared the same compulsion? This novel depicts just such an epidemic. It's the compelling, terrifying story of a devastating virus.

I will not tell you how you catch it so as not to include spoilers, but once it has you, it leads you on a strange journey—into another world where the undead chase you down the streets of the smallest towns and largest cities.

If you are expecting a night of the living dead style film... this is not it. This movie does a fantastic job of drawing you into the world of the characters, their relationships and everything falling apart around them; you are not an outside observer. You are for all intensive purposes just another Pontypool citizen wondering "Wiskey-Tango-Foxtrot".

This movie is a great treat for four reasons 1) The focus on the actors as the actors were perfectly cast. You may recognize an actress from the recent release of Dark Room 2) The choice to follow the "Aliens" model of never placing the source of "fear and unease" front stage. By not letting you in on the whole thing and only providing glimpses, your imagination will take the scenes further than any expensive CGI ever could. 3) The writing and angle of the movie. You feel like you are part of the movie as you only know what the main actors know... nothing more! 4)The intro and the voice of the main actor really pull you in like a warm sedative as you spiral downward into the insanity of your own imagination.

Enjoy... we did!

Indeed, Pontypool is one of those movies that will appeal to a certain number of people, but it's just not for everyone. However, it does feature some refreshingly new twists and turns to the classical zombie-infestation-overflows-a-village horror story. These new twists and differences are beautifully explained during the movie, and won't leave you with any questions at the end, something that doesn't happen often enough in this genre.

The acting by Stephen McHattie and Lisa Houle is decent enough, especially for a horror movie. Especially the first part of the movie, where the tension is built up, relies for the most part on their acting and they pull it off nicely. The camera-work is good but nothing special, the setting is dark but what can you expect from this genre of film!

All in all, I believe Pontypool stands out of the bulk of today's horror movies. It won't make it to be an all time classic of the genre, but it's a nice movie to watch (atleast for once), especially if you like a somewhat mysterious atmosphere and less blood and gore than is usual for a zombie movie. If you, on top of that, try to really comprehend the new twists and turns and the explanation for the zombie infestation and use your imagination, this film will leave you wondering and ensure you'll have had a good time.

*First review ever*

One of the things the great Orson Welles is known for is a radio broadcast reporting on an alien invasion. Credulous folks did not see the hoax. Pontypool follows a similar line with Martians replaced by zombies and hoax by satire.

In my hierarchy zombie films are the cheapjack of cinema. Surprising then I would be watching one. Nonetheless I stayed to the end of Pontypool on the strength of its various non-zombie elements.

First, the film brought to mind the radio days of yore, before TV arrived to pollute our living rooms. The evening serials for children with voices and sound effects elicited an imagery of thrilling adventures and exciting conflicts of good versus evil. Would not miss a single episode. In this there was a counterexample to the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Second, the core conceit of a zombie-inducing disease transmitted by a word, or words, ties in nicely with the viral memes of Dawkins. (See his talk at TED for a short explanation.) If the word is mightier than the sword, here a word is more virulent than a bomb. The zombie state is a metaphor for anti-social acts that otherwise normal people are led to commit because their minds have been contaminated.

Third, the self-deprecating humor. The bits about the poisoning of the public airwaves. The chopper-riding reporter in the middle of a blinding snow storm reporting on the traffic. The irritating language tics -- you know -- of some, here captured by endless zombie repetitiveness and the tendency of the zombies to chew their own tongues into a bloody mass. In places the film elevates itself to satire and laughing at the silliness of the explicit plot happens often.

Finally, the superb performance of Stephen McHattie as the morning radio talk show host of the small AM 660 CLSY station in Pontypool. If there is a single reason to watch this film it is McHattie.

The film is beautifully economical. The entire action, except for the opening scene, takes places in a radio station. As such the film is mostly words. In that it is self-referential: a film about a day at a radio station's studio that is a purveyor of words. I would not be surprised to find Pontypool reach the level of cult film.

Interesting take on the zombie genre. It did well at building a sense of fear and dread without resorting to jump scares, but in the end it kinda seems like this movie just didn't know what to do with its ridiculous premise.

This is a classic example of "less is more".

Pontypool is one of the craziest rides of a film I've ever experienced. I went in thinking it was one thing and it goes above & beyond expectations, and it's done solely on narrative, with some visual exposition.

For movies/film being a visual & audio relationship, they utilize mostly description & provides you a grounded atmosphere that sucks you in on what shortly escalates into an unexpected avenue full of twists & turns.

This is not your typical zombie/outbreak movie.

Also, I could listen to the voice of Stephen McHattie (aka Grant Mazzy) the entire time, no matter the context.

Innovative, creative and well made. UNique story, which is really refreshing considering all the doomsday movies out there.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and was completely taken by surprise. My DVD box has a quote across the top, 'The Best Zombie Film Of The Year' and this is probably both correct and most misleading. As others have mentioned it is best to go into this not expecting rampaging and bloodthirsty zombies, but to allow the very unusual and original film work it's magic. Stephen McHattie is outstanding in the central role and most convincing as he (and we!) struggle too interpret information received. This is far removed from being a 'sit back and wallow' movie and I certainly found myself on the edge of my seat thrilled, perturbed and anxious to work out just what was going on. Highly recommended.

Very different but a good different, thought it was gonna be a typical zombie film but no, still scary and definitely worth a watch

My husband and I watched this last night. Excellent movie. Well done and I imagine the costs of filming were not that great and this should smack some other movie makers as the thing to do. Scary. Suspenseful. Thought provoking. We really enjoyed it and it was not predictable. Be sure to watch past the credits. As usual, another independent film outweighs the crap put out in the mainstream. And, maybe there is also a lesson that good acting can be more important than expensive sets, props and special effects. And, amazingly, no shameless plugs for advertising. No hidden political agendas. There was no needless action or violence. There was no need for gratuitous and pointless sex scenes to keep audience interest.

Let me start by saying I liked Pontypool. It's intelligent and the scenes are visceral and carried on the shoulders of its limited cast. The messages about communication and the media are subtle yet clear, and the static location is actually refreshing to a degree. Not to mention I love good zombie films. I liked zombie films before they were reintroduced and re-oversaturated the market. I rated 28 Days Later a 10/10 and 28 Weeks Later a 9/10 and I stand by those reviews. Pontypool is not either of those movies by a long shot. I respect a thinking man's zombie movie and it is what saves Pontypool from being a complete disaster. The setting is great and feels realistic, the writing is above most films of this type, McHattie carries this movie on his shoulder, and the concepts are refreshing and original. Unfortunately, this is not the great zombie film some of these reviews have raved about. People love to give extra credit for effort with low budget productions and I can respect that. People love the underdogs and particularly when they don't completely suck. But the fact is Pontypool suffers from a list of avoidable problems that stops it from greatness.

I'm all for new concepts. I can even dig a zombie-like virus getting spread through the English Language and the understanding of certain words that trigger the effects. The problem here is in the presentation of the idea, not the idea itself. The "revelation" is introduced poorly and unconvincingly. Then when the film attempts to explain itself, it seems like it stumbles over logic. It felt as if the last 45 minutes or so was trying to grasp some "AHA" moment that never happened. While the basic idea is conveyed, when the script attempts to go deeper into the mythology, it struggles to produce convincing logistics. What you are left with is a series of half-ideas built on an interesting premise and covered in satire. Films like this come off more as pretentious than brilliant. It thinks it is a classic but it's not. The lack of visible zombies is also a minor complaint but that could have been overcame by a more thought-out plot.

As it stands, Pontypool is a decent flick. The acting all around is superb and what little direction is necessary is done competently. The concept is original and the messages aren't too preachy. Unfortunately, for a film that relies on the script and intelligence, it falls short in effectively moving the plot. Some scenes are overly long and the explanations of what is going on are convoluted and unbelievable. The offbeat comedy is decently done but not enough to move the film into the realm of dark comedy. Some of the reviews are accurate in saying this is a cerebral horror movie that requires you to think as you watch. The problem was i thought a little too much and was left unsatisfied with the results. I recommend Pontypool to horror fans that can appreciate a slow moving plot and suspense that is built through dialogue almost exclusively. Also, Pontypool is nowhere near as intelligent as some of these reviewers want to make it. I have a sneaking suspicion that a lot of them came into this low-budget movie with low expectations and were pleasantly surprised it wasn't horrible and actually made them think a bit. That doesn't make it classic cinema or supremely intelligent. It is what it is. A slow moving and decent horror film carried by the actors and an excellent single idea expanded into a full length movie. 6/10