The Signal
Reviewed By : Sinns Sober Wife

Release Year : 2007

Directed By : Dan Bush, David Bruckner

Written By : David Bruckner, Jacob Gentry

Starring : Justin Welborn, A.J. Bowen, Anessa Ramsey

Related Links : IMDB, Official Site

 

Rogue TV signal sends people crazy - shit, isn't that already happening, TV is responsible for all societies ills right? Well, that's the core of the plot here in this horror with deadpan comedic elements that I've seen a few people comparing to Shaun of the Dead or 28 Weeks, unjust since it is an entirely different kettle of fish.

It's not truly zombies for one thing, most definitely not, there's not even a modicum of doubt about it. They're more crazy fuckers, kinda like the movies Warning Sign or The Crazies I guess. I'd definitely not make the comparison to 28 Weeks Later either, it's an altogether more subtle form of craziness here, not the mindless red eyed killing machine variety. I guess perhaps I'd better give up on even trying to compare it, in many respects it is a fairly unique film in the way that it is executed.

The humour is much dryer and more deadpan than many horror escapades, it won't be to everyones taste but will at least raise some smiles and the odd chuckle from most viewers. Pacing wise it is about right, not letting up for too long nor straying too much into that perilous pit of taking itself too seriously. It works, it's not a hammer blow of riotous entertainment, nor is it a classic movie in the way of say Shaun of The Dead, but it is a good film. Many people have said it might attain cult classic status - only time will tell, I am unsure, perhaps it will mature with age like a fine wine. Of course, as a commentary on the power of mass media to provoke and manipulate, it does and will stand as an apt and bloody statement.

I'm not sure really how I'd rate the movie as a whole though. Yes, it is good, but in places it feels almost strained, as if it hadn't quite decided whether to be a serious horror, a comedy with horror elements, a social commentary, or a ZomCom - perhaps that is just me though, my sadly British sense of humour not quite appreciating the finer moments. Damn, who cares what I think anyway? The Signal is definitely good enough to have earned my closing comment "Watch it for yourself, make up your own minds".