Maple Syrup Massacre is an editorial series where Joe Lipsett dissects the themes, conventions and contributions of new and classic Canadian horror films. Spoilers follow…
Language is paramount in Pontypool, Bruce McDonald’s Canadian (don’t call it zombie) thriller. The film concerns a shock jock DJ and his pair of female colleagues who manage a radio station over the course of a morning as a word-based pathogen destroys the surrounding community.
Based on the book by Tony Burgess (who also wrote the screenplay), the film is a single location thriller that relies heavily on its small cast and mildly claustrophobic setting. Dialogue and audio flesh out not only the world and the looming threat; it also captures the power and impact of language.
It’s vital that Grant Mazzy (Canadian screen legend Stephen McHattie) is something of a disgrace at the beginning of the film. He’s only recently...
Language is paramount in Pontypool, Bruce McDonald’s Canadian (don’t call it zombie) thriller. The film concerns a shock jock DJ and his pair of female colleagues who manage a radio station over the course of a morning as a word-based pathogen destroys the surrounding community.
Based on the book by Tony Burgess (who also wrote the screenplay), the film is a single location thriller that relies heavily on its small cast and mildly claustrophobic setting. Dialogue and audio flesh out not only the world and the looming threat; it also captures the power and impact of language.
It’s vital that Grant Mazzy (Canadian screen legend Stephen McHattie) is something of a disgrace at the beginning of the film. He’s only recently...
- 4/6/2023
- by Joe Lipsett
- bloody-disgusting.com
Possessor Review — Possessor (2020) Video Movie Review, a Neon movie written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, and stars Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, Rossif Sutherland, Tuppence Middleton, Sean Bean, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hrant Alianak, Rachael Crawford, Gage Graham-Arbuthnot, Kathy Maloney, and Megan Vincent. In this video review, I talk about the new sci-fi horror [...]
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: Possessor (2020): A Fun Gory Film From Brandon Cronenberg...
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: Possessor (2020): A Fun Gory Film From Brandon Cronenberg...
- 11/9/2020
- by Alex Srednoselac
- Film-Book
Dear Scavengers
Directed by Aaron Phelan
Written by Aaron Phelan
Canada, 2012
We all know someone like Hector (Hrant Alianak); especially if you’re young enough. Simply put, he’s a curmudgeon. He’s a bad tempered, obdurate sort of chap who’s unable (or unwilling) to change. In fact, he owns a used appliances shop. That should illustrate just how much of a reactionary grouch he is.
A solitary man by choice, Hector is easily irritated when people wander into his store, especially if they’re a bunch of animated pre-teens on a summer camp scavenger hunt. Hector tries to dissuade them with signs (he’s the kind of person that’ll write to his parliamentary representative), but he isn’t privy to the fact that 21st century kids don’t read anything if it isn’t texted, tweeted or typed.
As he confronts these rapscalllions, Hector also must confront his timeworn predilections.
Directed by Aaron Phelan
Written by Aaron Phelan
Canada, 2012
We all know someone like Hector (Hrant Alianak); especially if you’re young enough. Simply put, he’s a curmudgeon. He’s a bad tempered, obdurate sort of chap who’s unable (or unwilling) to change. In fact, he owns a used appliances shop. That should illustrate just how much of a reactionary grouch he is.
A solitary man by choice, Hector is easily irritated when people wander into his store, especially if they’re a bunch of animated pre-teens on a summer camp scavenger hunt. Hector tries to dissuade them with signs (he’s the kind of person that’ll write to his parliamentary representative), but he isn’t privy to the fact that 21st century kids don’t read anything if it isn’t texted, tweeted or typed.
As he confronts these rapscalllions, Hector also must confront his timeworn predilections.
- 9/3/2012
- by Justin Li
- SoundOnSight
Pontypool is a perfect example of a film that has fallen through the cracks. Even though this film looks awesome, it did not get the attention it deserved in the Us.
The film is from director Bruce McDonald adapted by Tony Burgess from his novel Pontypool Changes Everything. The film stars Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, Hrant Alianak and Rick Roberts.
Here is the desciption from Amazon where it is available for purchase for $12.99!
Shut up or die Shock jock Grant Mazzy (McHattie) has been kicked-off the airwaves and now works at a small-town morning show. Another mundane day on the job quickly turns deadly when reports pile in of people developing strange speech patterns and evoking brutal acts of violence. Before long, Mazzy discovers that the behavior is actually a deadly virus being spread through language. Does he stay on the air in hopes of being rescued or,...
The film is from director Bruce McDonald adapted by Tony Burgess from his novel Pontypool Changes Everything. The film stars Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, Hrant Alianak and Rick Roberts.
Here is the desciption from Amazon where it is available for purchase for $12.99!
Shut up or die Shock jock Grant Mazzy (McHattie) has been kicked-off the airwaves and now works at a small-town morning show. Another mundane day on the job quickly turns deadly when reports pile in of people developing strange speech patterns and evoking brutal acts of violence. Before long, Mazzy discovers that the behavior is actually a deadly virus being spread through language. Does he stay on the air in hopes of being rescued or,...
- 12/20/2010
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
To celebrate the end of summer, the The Cultural Post organizes its first give away of DVDs for fans of Canadian films and TV shows. Winners will be chosen from a random draw of all eligible entries in each of 2 categories. Leave a comment or mention @anhkhoido in your tweet (with a reference to the giveaway, naturally) in order to have a chance to win.
1rst Prize:
Durham County is a very dark crime drama that takes place in a fictitious suburb of Toronto. There's a killer in the suburb of Durham County and Det. Mike Sweeney (Hugh Dillon) tries to find him/her. Besides, Mike also deal with his inner demons. Note that Michelle Forbes (True Blood) delivers a legendary performance as a manipulator.
2nd Prize
Pontypool takes place in a real small town from Ontario that is named Pontypool. This film directed by Canadian director has the reputation...
1rst Prize:
Durham County is a very dark crime drama that takes place in a fictitious suburb of Toronto. There's a killer in the suburb of Durham County and Det. Mike Sweeney (Hugh Dillon) tries to find him/her. Besides, Mike also deal with his inner demons. Note that Michelle Forbes (True Blood) delivers a legendary performance as a manipulator.
2nd Prize
Pontypool takes place in a real small town from Ontario that is named Pontypool. This film directed by Canadian director has the reputation...
- 8/23/2010
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
Not only will our very own London correspondent Ben Austwick be there to cover the fest but it's one of the best lineups ever!
How about the world premier for Pa giant insect comedy Infestation? Check.
Sneak preview of La Horde? Check.
UK premier of Cannes premier Hierro? Check.
The surprisingly good Giallo, the latest from Dario Argento? Check.
The world premier of The Descent part 2? Check!
Full schedule after the break. (Yes we copied Dread Central's post. Thanks UncleCreepy!)
Main Programme - Empire 1
# Thursday 27 August
18.30 Triangle (World Premiere)
The Boat That Shocked! Film4 FrightFest is delighted to open this year’s festival with the first ever showing of British director Christopher Smith’s latest spellbinding horror fantasy. When Jess (Melissa George) hits a seagull driving to her local harbour little does she know it signals a harrowing omen for her yachting trip with friends. From epic ocean vistas to poignantly shocking finale,...
How about the world premier for Pa giant insect comedy Infestation? Check.
Sneak preview of La Horde? Check.
UK premier of Cannes premier Hierro? Check.
The surprisingly good Giallo, the latest from Dario Argento? Check.
The world premier of The Descent part 2? Check!
Full schedule after the break. (Yes we copied Dread Central's post. Thanks UncleCreepy!)
Main Programme - Empire 1
# Thursday 27 August
18.30 Triangle (World Premiere)
The Boat That Shocked! Film4 FrightFest is delighted to open this year’s festival with the first ever showing of British director Christopher Smith’s latest spellbinding horror fantasy. When Jess (Melissa George) hits a seagull driving to her local harbour little does she know it signals a harrowing omen for her yachting trip with friends. From epic ocean vistas to poignantly shocking finale,...
- 7/3/2009
- QuietEarth.us
The UK's most amazing horror film festival Film 4 FrightFest has released what could very well be one of the best horror line-ups we've seen ever for its latest show taking place August 27th - August 31st, brimming with films we've been salivating over Stateside!
If you need any more reasons to fly across the pond check out the schedule below!
Main Programme - Empire 1
Thursday 27 August 18.30 Triangle (World Premiere)
The Boat That Shocked! Film4 FrightFest is delighted to open this year’s festival with the first ever showing of British director Christopher Smith’s latest spellbinding horror fantasy. When Jess (Melissa George) hits a seagull driving to her local harbour little does she know it signals a harrowing omen for her yachting trip with friends. From epic ocean vistas to poignantly shocking finale, Triangle is Smith’s best, polished and most mature work.
95 minutes Director: Christopher Smith UK/Australia 2009
Melissa George...
If you need any more reasons to fly across the pond check out the schedule below!
Main Programme - Empire 1
Thursday 27 August 18.30 Triangle (World Premiere)
The Boat That Shocked! Film4 FrightFest is delighted to open this year’s festival with the first ever showing of British director Christopher Smith’s latest spellbinding horror fantasy. When Jess (Melissa George) hits a seagull driving to her local harbour little does she know it signals a harrowing omen for her yachting trip with friends. From epic ocean vistas to poignantly shocking finale, Triangle is Smith’s best, polished and most mature work.
95 minutes Director: Christopher Smith UK/Australia 2009
Melissa George...
- 7/3/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Is there really no escape from the living dead? Zombies have found their way to school curriculum (Max Brooks’ masterful novel World War Z can be found in the required reading section of your book store) and they have always been a part of mainstream cinema from The Night of the Living Dead right up to 28 Weeks Later. Pontypool is one of the more inspired takes on the zombie genre. The film is low budget and high concept. The zombie film, some will say, has become a tired piece of art. George Romero’s recent entries into the zombie canon (Land of the Dead and Diary of the Dead) have been a far cry from his groundbreaking original visions in the late 1960’s through late 1970’s. The first 40 minutes of Pontypool marks a return to the roots of not only the zombie picture, but to horror in general. The things not seen are truly horrifying.
- 6/19/2009
- by NickO
- Atomic Popcorn
Whether they stagger slowly or dash madly, the one constant among cinematic zombies though the years has been that they don’t say much. They moan a lot, and occasionally manage a hungry “Braaaains!” but articulated speech has escaped them. Which means that Bruce McDonald’s Pontypool (opening theatrically in New York City today and also available on-demand from IFC Films) is unique via its very premise: an undead plague in which both the cause and the symptom are spoken words.
And what better place to set such a story than a radio station? Corbin Bernsen’s upcoming Dead Air takes the same tack, but it’s especially appropriate for a movie whose characters might be victimized by the verbal communication they depend on. The central figure (you can’t quite call him a “hero”) is Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), a former big-city shock jock now relegated to the morning...
And what better place to set such a story than a radio station? Corbin Bernsen’s upcoming Dead Air takes the same tack, but it’s especially appropriate for a movie whose characters might be victimized by the verbal communication they depend on. The central figure (you can’t quite call him a “hero”) is Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), a former big-city shock jock now relegated to the morning...
- 5/29/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Michael Gingold)
- Fangoria
Whether they stagger slowly or dash madly, the one constant among cinematic zombies though the years has been that they don’t say much. They moan a lot, and occasionally manage a hungry “Braaaains!” but articulated speech has escaped them. Which means that Bruce McDonald’s Pontypool (opening theatrically in New York City today and also available on-demand from IFC Films) is unique via its very premise: an undead plague in which both the cause and the symptom are spoken words.
And what better place to set such a story than a radio station? Corbin Bernsen’s upcoming Dead Air takes the same tack, but it’s especially appropriate for a movie whose characters might be victimized by the verbal communication they depend on. The central figure (you can’t quite call him a “hero”) is Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), a former big-city shock jock now relegated to the morning...
And what better place to set such a story than a radio station? Corbin Bernsen’s upcoming Dead Air takes the same tack, but it’s especially appropriate for a movie whose characters might be victimized by the verbal communication they depend on. The central figure (you can’t quite call him a “hero”) is Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), a former big-city shock jock now relegated to the morning...
- 5/29/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Michael Gingold)
- Fangoria
Directed by Bruce McDonald
Written by Tony Burgess
Featuring Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Hrant Alianak, and Georgina Reilly
2009, IFC Films
Tony Burgess’s adaptation of his own novel, Pontypool Changes Everything (in limited theaters on May 29, 2009), is a very strange little movie about a small town DJ named Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), his producer Sydney Briar (Lisa Houle) and the strange morning when their radio show becomes the center of a new breed of virus that infects people through the English language causing violent outbursts and gore-drenched physical reactions…
Having not read the original novel, my guess is that the film version, directed by Bruce McDonald, probably stays quite close to the original novel in premise and plot. Grant Mazzy is a big-town DJ who has been demoted to the local radio morning show at the small Ontario, Canada town of Pontypool at Clsy Radio. Sydney Briar, his producer, is...
Written by Tony Burgess
Featuring Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Hrant Alianak, and Georgina Reilly
2009, IFC Films
Tony Burgess’s adaptation of his own novel, Pontypool Changes Everything (in limited theaters on May 29, 2009), is a very strange little movie about a small town DJ named Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie), his producer Sydney Briar (Lisa Houle) and the strange morning when their radio show becomes the center of a new breed of virus that infects people through the English language causing violent outbursts and gore-drenched physical reactions…
Having not read the original novel, my guess is that the film version, directed by Bruce McDonald, probably stays quite close to the original novel in premise and plot. Grant Mazzy is a big-town DJ who has been demoted to the local radio morning show at the small Ontario, Canada town of Pontypool at Clsy Radio. Sydney Briar, his producer, is...
- 5/29/2009
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
"Pontypool" reviewby Steve Ramos (3/5) Claustrophobic creepiness replaces splatter in clever zombie thriller "Pontypool." Filmmaker George Romero, kingpin of zombie movies, would laugh at "Pontypool," a horror movie about attacking flesh-eaters with very little splatter. After all, horror fans have come to expect ample bloodletting with zombie thrillers, Romeros films included. Yet, if Romero, and all gore fans for that matter, would sit back and give veteran director Bruce McDonalds sci-fi drama a chance, they would discover a clever, claustrophobic, believably creepy twist on the popular horror movie menace. IFC plans a theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles on May 29; part of its IFC Midnight banner of horror films, followed by a select roll out in conjunction with IFC's VOD service. Radio DJ Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie) loses his job at a big city radio station and takes the only gig available to him: hosting the early morning show...
- 5/28/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
While the film is only getting a limited theatrical run, the highly anticipated - and critically acclaimed Pontypool will be arriving on VOD this Friday! So after you're done being dragged to Raimi's hell, hit your couch and watch the story of a small-town radio station that discovers that recent madness in the local population may be caused by a virus transmitted through speech. Check out four clips to entice you by reading on below. Directed by Bruce McDonald, the Canadian horror pic stars Stephen McHattie (from Watchmen fame), Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, Hrant Alianak and Rick Roberts. Pontypool premiered at the Tiff in 2008.
- 5/26/2009
- bloody-disgusting.com
A new movie clip entitled "Sample," and a darker one-sheet are available for showing from "Pontypool," as the film moves towards a May 29, 2009 release date. From director Bruce Macdonald the film revolves around a shock-jock in the midst of a pandemic that moves from person to person via sound, or spoken word. Based on Tony Burgess' novel "Pontypool Changes Everything," the interesting premise is sure to draw fans out for the limited release. Also, described as original, from early reviews a little snippet can be seen from "Pontypool," past the break and in the video clip the effects of the disease can be seen overtaking an off camera actor. Have a look inside at "Sample," inside along with the location of an early review.
Release Date: May 29, 2009.
Director: Bruce Macdonald.
Writer: Tony Burgess.
Cast: Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, and Hrant Alianak.
The "Sample," movie clip can be seen here.
Release Date: May 29, 2009.
Director: Bruce Macdonald.
Writer: Tony Burgess.
Cast: Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, and Hrant Alianak.
The "Sample," movie clip can be seen here.
- 5/24/2009
- by Michael Ross Allen
- 28 Days Later Analysis
We're all for getting out in the summertime, but there might not be anything more refreshing than cooling off in a movie theater... or seeing a movie in the comfort of your air-conditioned home on demand, on DVD, or online... or better yet catching a classic on the big screen at a nearby repertory theater. With literally hundreds of films to choose from this summer, we humbly present this guide to the season's most exciting offerings.
May 1
"Eldorado"
The Cast: Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde, Philippe Nahon, Didier Toupy, Franise Chichy
Director: Bouli Lanners
Fest Cred: Cannes, Warsaw, Glasgow, Palm Springs,
The Gist: When Elie (Adde), a hapless young thief attempts to rob Yvan (Lanners), a 40-year-old car dealer, the two form a unlikely friendship that leads to a road trip across Belgium in this slight comedy that won the Best European Film at the Director's Fortnight at Cannes last year.
May 1
"Eldorado"
The Cast: Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde, Philippe Nahon, Didier Toupy, Franise Chichy
Director: Bouli Lanners
Fest Cred: Cannes, Warsaw, Glasgow, Palm Springs,
The Gist: When Elie (Adde), a hapless young thief attempts to rob Yvan (Lanners), a 40-year-old car dealer, the two form a unlikely friendship that leads to a road trip across Belgium in this slight comedy that won the Best European Film at the Director's Fortnight at Cannes last year.
- 5/6/2009
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
What's the time? It's time to get ill! That's right, the 6 films playing at the SXSW midnight lineup courtesy of Fantastic Fest have been announced, and we've reported on quite a few of these, especially The Horseman which we loved. Check em out:
Ong Bak 2 (Thailand)
Director: Tony Jaa. Writer: Panna Rittikrai
Martial-arts superstar Tony Jaa is back in an epic prequel to the 2003 action smash Ong Bak. Cast: Tony Jaa, Sorapong Chatree, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Nirut Sirichanya, Santisuk Promsiri, Primorata Dejudom (International Film Festival Premiere)
Black (France)
Director: Pierre Laffargue. Writer: Pierre Laffargue, Lucio Mad and Gábor Rassov
A nouveau-blacksploitation adventure awash in black magic, African Mysticism, mutant arms dealers, gargantuan machete-wielding mercenary armies and a truckload of knuckle-sandwiches. Cast: Mc Jean Gab'1, Carole Karemera, François Levantal, Anton Yakovlev (World Premiere)
The Haunting in Connecticut (U.S.)
Director: Peter Cornwell. Writer: Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe
In the tradition...
Ong Bak 2 (Thailand)
Director: Tony Jaa. Writer: Panna Rittikrai
Martial-arts superstar Tony Jaa is back in an epic prequel to the 2003 action smash Ong Bak. Cast: Tony Jaa, Sorapong Chatree, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Nirut Sirichanya, Santisuk Promsiri, Primorata Dejudom (International Film Festival Premiere)
Black (France)
Director: Pierre Laffargue. Writer: Pierre Laffargue, Lucio Mad and Gábor Rassov
A nouveau-blacksploitation adventure awash in black magic, African Mysticism, mutant arms dealers, gargantuan machete-wielding mercenary armies and a truckload of knuckle-sandwiches. Cast: Mc Jean Gab'1, Carole Karemera, François Levantal, Anton Yakovlev (World Premiere)
The Haunting in Connecticut (U.S.)
Director: Peter Cornwell. Writer: Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe
In the tradition...
- 2/18/2009
- QuietEarth.us
Austin, Texas – February 17, 2008 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival announced the official titles for their new program “SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight,” kicking off with the International Film Festival Premiere of Ong Bak 2, the most anticipated new action film of the year. Six films from six countries comprise the lineup, featuring four international premieres, one North American premiere and one U.S. Premiere. From horror to action, to comedy and suspense, these six films collectively represent the spectrum of genre films featured in Austin’s annual Fantastic Fest. All films will play at midnight at the SXSW Film Festival at the Alamo South Lamar, in addition to the traditional SXSW Midnighters section, which will take place at the Alamo Ritz. The program will feature:
Ong Bak 2 (Thailand)
Director: Tony Jaa. Writer: Panna Rittikrai
Martial-arts superstar Tony Jaa is back in an epic prequel to the 2003 action smash Ong Bak.
Ong Bak 2 (Thailand)
Director: Tony Jaa. Writer: Panna Rittikrai
Martial-arts superstar Tony Jaa is back in an epic prequel to the 2003 action smash Ong Bak.
- 2/18/2009
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tim League)
- FantasticFest.com
While at the Toronto International Film Festival, we caught up with Pontypool director Bruce McDonald who reveals exclusively to Bloody-Disgusting that he has a planned trilogy for the film, which follows a virus spreading through the English-language. "PONTYPOOL, if this first one is perceived well and does a bit of business, then well have the opportinuty to make parts two and three, which are kind of one big story." Click the title above for the review and some stills. Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, Hrant Alianak and Rick Roberts all star in the film, which is currently looking for distribution.
- 9/16/2008
- bloody-disgusting.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.