Shut Up or Die!

This is a brief message from your friendly neighbourhood movie geek: GO SEE PONTYPOOL!

It is so rare to come across movie that I believe will satisfy so many different age groups and different types of film fans. I am hesitant to call this a horror movie... I would rather lay it somewhere between suspense and drama, with elements of the horror genre thrown in. Unlike most scary movies, the acting chops of the lead actor are extremely formidable. I found myself being almost hypnotized by his voice, and became frightened when he was frightened, laughed when he laughed.

Pontypool is rolled out like a radio play, with emphasis on the audience using their minds to imagine the situations that are being described. This is a movie about "zombies" (sort of), but blood and gore do not really come into play that often. For the majority of the film, the "zombies" only appear in your mind as you must picture what the radio host is describing without any visual cue. Another word I would use to describe this movie is "smart"... it comes off as an intelligent film, and relies on the minds of its audience members to actively participate in the movie.

This is a Canadian movie directed by Bruce McDonald. If more movies like this come out of Canada, the impact would be phenomenal. The fact that it is such a solid film that was filmed on a comparatively TINY budget over only three days speaks volumes to the talent of those involved.

There are some plot holes, and the sometimes too thorough explanation of the zombie phenomena left me scratching my head, but I still appreciate the idea behind the movie and the execution of it, especially through the lead actor's talents.

If you like well-written, wonderfully acted, and thoughtfully directed movies, definitely check this out. It is a scary movie for people who don't typically like scary movies---but don't worry, horror nuts will like it, too.

The fact that it is Canadian is another reason to go see it. So many great movies are made by Canadians, and most simply don't make it into theatres. Support Canadian film and show the movie industry that we do want to see movies made by us, filmed in our towns, and telling our stories.

Pontypool is currently playing at the Oxford Theatre in Halifax. Showtimes can be seen on the Empire Theatres website.

Slow Down, Gandhi

I am planning on exorcising my mind these next few days with insane movies, so as to replace the real-life madness with an imaginary sort. This, of course, makes not a lot of sense, as I should be trying to soothe my troubled head, but unfortunately I'd rather watch stop-motion puppets from Hell over Meg Ryan romantic-comedies, right now.

What I'd like to watch over the next few days:

• The aforementioned FAUST with its creepy puppets.
  
• Tetsuo--The Iron Man: Of which someone close to me said: I will never have a scary dream again. This is because TETSUO contained every scary dream that could ever be dreamt.
• Last House on the Left: The 1972 one, because I've never seen it and that's wrong.
• Maniac Cop: You Have the Right to Remain Silent. FOREVER.
• The Element of Crime: The words "dazzling dystopia" were used in describing it.

Anywho, should be a good time these next few days. Aside from poisoning my mind with film, I shall be joining Andrew in his quest for an apartment. I shall be the dutiful assistant, one who has already gone through the rigours of shopping for a homebase. The newest homebase, if you haven't heard, will be in Woodside for the next year or so, starting this July. I'm excited.

Also neat: the summation of Battlestar Galactica which will soon grace our TV screens. I honestly have no theories as to how this is going to all going to play out. It's been a heck of a ride, and I wish the end wasn't in sight.

I miss Josh and I wish he was here. I would totally be down for some Tartan Asian Extreme with a side of pizzaronis and maybe a dance-party. Do you think deep-fried pizza bites could be shipped to Toronto and remain grossly delicious? I sense a challenge coming on.