Film Review: DEAD AIR (2009)

 DEAD AIR (2009) USA 1hr 30mins

Director: Corbin Bernsen

"America...why are you so paranoid?" - Logan

"They're bleeding out of their eyes!" - Gil

"We need to do something that will stop him for good." - Burt

An organised gang of terrorists set off biological weapons simultaneously across major cities in America at big sporting events. Those affected by the gas turn into violent, rabid crazies attacking, killing and turning those that cross their path. Over in Los Angeles and as this attack is unfolding, radio show host Logan Burnhardt (Bill Moseley), co host Gil (David Moscow), sound man Burt (Joshua Feinman) and producer Lucy (Patricia Tallman) are mid-way through their show, ironically about paranoia when calls start coming in about riots and violence. Their radio station is just down the road from where one of the biological weapons went off and the building is soon under siege but the team keep broadcasting whilst other news stations flee their posts. Gil makes his way through hordes of infected on his motorbike to check up on Logans wife and child as Logan and Lucy fight the infected and face being held at gunpoint by the terrorists responsible. They aim to stay on air throughout to keep the uninfected safe and informed.

This is another of those infection movies that tries to blur the lines between infection and zombies but to be honest it's pretty well done. The terrorist element adds another layer and shows the continued paranoia and distrust in the states in the aftermath of 9/11. It is well cast with a great opportunity for Bill Moseley to play a more "normal" role for a change and take the lead. His character is quite likeable and grounded. Patricia Tallman, who I mostly remember as badass Barbara in Tom Savini's 1990 version of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD also plays a more relatable role. Incidentally, Moseley was also cast in NOTLD as Barbara's brother Johnnie so it was great to see the two of them working together again. The rest of the characters are really enjoyable too. Logans co-hosts Gil and Burt are great and added some good humour to the mix.

The origin of the zombies/infected is a gas devised by a terrorist group. Used as a biological weapon, small groups of terrorists set the gas off in the ventilation system of big venues hosting sporting events. The gas turns people into violent crazies that attack all others around them. Those who are bitten or scratched by the infected will turn and it happens quite quickly. Probably takes about 5-10 minutes after infection. The terrorists have an antiserum that holds off the symptoms and prevents turning momentarily. As usual some things about DEAD AIR are a bit confused. Screen writer Kenny Yakkel has stated that the infected are NOT zombies (*yawn*) by saying "It's more like a PCP zombie movie, that's my take on it 'cause they're not dead". This is a bit of contradiction as in the movie the terrorist holding Logan and Lucy at gunpoint says to them that in seven hours the virus will run its course and everyone infected will be dead. So even if they are not dead from the infection they will be soon right?! I might be being picky but that's the same thing in my opinion, I do quite like that very grim element to it though. Either way the infected/PCP zombies look pretty cool with bleeding eyes and an angry disposition.

It's very easy to make comparisons between DEAD AIR (2009) and PONTYPOOL (2008) what with both being based at radio stations, having ties to acts of terrorism and similar infected/zombies, oh and being released within a year of each other. However, whilst PONTYPOOL is that bit cleverer I actually prefer the zombies in DEAD AIR. Both movies are a product of the sign of the times.

DEAD AIR may be less complex than PONTYPOOL but holds its own in terms of action, excitement and a goofy kind of dark humour. It is well shot, acted and holds your attention throughout. It is good fun! I score DEAD AIR (2009) 3 brains out of 5.

DEAD AIR (2009)  is available on DVD through Amazon.