Mr. Viral

I saw this movie recently at the Calgary International Film Festival. I had read a little about the story, and it seemed like a fun movie to check out..I was right! Billed as a dark comedy satire, the movie concerned an ad agency at a crossroads. The new creative team is poised to take over the reins of the agency's ad campaigns with their modern but annoying strategies for success, leaving the old head of creative in a tiny insignificant role at the company. Success seems easy for the new team... or is it? A battle between the crass young ad men and the seasoned veteran heats up, and all bets are off..

This was a great little ride, and went places that you wouldn't expect from the beginning of the movie. Some drama, some mystery, some comedy, and a little sex... what else could you ask for? Definitely worth catching when it gets to your town!

A truly odd ( in the best sense) film about an odd ( in every sense) industry. As someone married to a marketing guy, I thought I'd seen it all. This film had some very surprising plot twists that I definitely did not see coming. In a world of predictability, Mr. Viral keep me guessing. Some very interesting characters- well written and well preformed.

I appreciated the Toronto and Montreal locations , and the bright colour and effects added to the chaotic and at times surreal world that the film reveals.

It's at times funny, and at times disturbing- sometimes both at the same time.

Mr. Viral was an energetic roller coaster ride from start to finish. The film takes a look at the reality of the ad industry. It also addresses how social media has not only influenced the way we communicate, but the actuality of what holds people's attention in today's world. Humor, though it may be dark is your only saviour. Jefferson Brown(Colin) is compelling in that he doesn't make obvious choices; meaning that you don't know what he is going to do. As an audience member I find that exhilarating. Christian Lloyd(Andy) is brilliant with his comedic timing! Alex Appel(Stacy) gracefully finds moments of comedy through to drama. In one moment she will have you laughing, in another tears will be welled up in your eyes. With a great cast, great cinematography; Mr. Viral is a great film.

I saw an early screening of Mr. Viral in Toronto. Several audience members said afterwards "It doesn't even look like a Canadian film".

Mr. Viral's excellent camera work, original music score, sound mixing, editing and visual effects add hugely to its high-end professionalism. This feature-length film really has the aura of a big-budget Hollywood movie. That's simply amazing! What pleasantly surprised me also was the exceptionally high standard of acting by Canadians whose names are all too little known beyond our borders. Even the bit parts - masses of them - were great. And the whole show was so delightfully fast-paced and zany that any small acting lapses simply slipped by.

Mr. Viral's script has satire and innuendo and often-earthy humour in abundance. But there is pathos too; which really makes one feel for, and with, its characters. Its three separate plot lines demand concentration from viewers; but no more than is needed to watch intelligent TV shows like ER, West Wing, LA Law, or House.

It's as clever as any of those, but much funnier. Its outrageously suggestive plot lines are all the more amusing because their innuendos are in the minds of viewers, but not "in their face" on-screen.

If the director and producers can make so much of their first feature film with so little funding, then just imagine what they could achieve next time with a bigger budget!

Solid film with a terrific cast -- a visually enterprising experience! Right from the start ... The drama begins with intensity and the film journeys in a non-stop ride that goes on and on.

Once in a while a film comes along that thrills, excites and entertains ... Mr Viral is that film. The cast is an eclectic mix of talented artists with a flare for the sensational.

Mr Viral takes you on a journey that alerts the senses to the painful frailties of humanity, banked up against the electronic "world wide web" -- that connects us all!

A FUN MUST SEE !!! Alex Boothby shines in the directors chair in his debut feature film.