Attack the Block

Attack the Block is a tale of redemption. Well, that and a tale of a teen gang defending their block in South London from an alien attack. It may sound like kind of a silly story but the script and the execution of the story are impressive. Nothing really falls through the cracks. It is an impeccably written science fiction masterpiece. And it has more depth than I would have ever expected going into the film...

The characters in Attack the Block are well thought out and well developed. The main characters are young thugs who you are likely to despise at the beginning of the film, but after an alien falls from the sky feelings begin to change. These kids from the block become real humans for the audience. Their lines are clever, intelligent, and often just plain funny. By the end you cannot help but root for them to triumph. The story is told through amazing acting on the part of the young stars. The cast is exceptional. They are a remarkable ensemble of young actors with Nick Frost (from another recent alien related film, Paul) in the mix. First time film actor John Boyega gives a stellar performance as Moses the main character, who puts countless more-experienced young Hollywood actors to shame. And Jodie Whittaker is quite good as Sam, a mugging victim turned ally to the kids. She is just as unlikeable at the beginning of the film as the kids are, but she definitely grows on you. There are plenty of times throughout the film that it is easy to forget that she and the whole cast are, in fact, acting.

On top of all of those things, the film has great music, layout, and visuals. It is dark, in both appearance and in story line. The film is not weighed down with extensive or overwhelming CGI. The aliens, or big alien gorilla wolf monsters (as they should really be referred to), are intimidating and uncomplicated. The scenes are expertly and simply shot. And the pace of the film would have no problem pleasing even Goldilocks. All the pieces fit together. “Inner city vs outer space”...indeed. First time film director Joe Cornish has created a film that is engaging, thrilling, and strong. Attack the Block is a film that should not be overlooked.

Big

I cannot think of a better age-switching movie other than Big. (Yes, there are others.) I never let rationality or logic get in the way of the fact that I love this particular mainstream Hollywood film…

The film starts off with 13 year old Josh Baskin played by David Moscow living an average life in New Jersey. After not meeting the height requirement for an amusement park ride (and being embarrassed by that fact in front of the girl he likes), Josh makes a wish to be “big” on a creepy fortune telling machine. The next morning 13 year old Josh wakes up a grown man and is now played by Tom Hanks. His education, emotions, and experiences stay that of an adolescent but he is undoubtedly a man in his appearance. With the help of his 13 year old best friend Billy (Jared Rushton), Josh heads to New York City to figure out what to do and how to get his young life and body back.

There is something special about Big. It has had a lingering influence on me from the first time I saw it oh-so-many years ago. No, I did not want to have my body age 17 or so years in one night. I never wanted to lose my virginity to Elizabeth Perkins, nor did I want to live on my own in New York City at the age of 13. I did, however, want to have a trampoline and a soda machine in my large New York City loft. I did want to have a kick-ass job at a toy company. And I most certainly wanted to be able to openly spit out food that I don’t like at formal get-togethers.

I decided that after something like 20 years since the last time I saw Big that it was time to re-watch this film. I have to say, for me, this movie stands the test of time. I still love it. I cannot imagine that anyone could have played the adult Josh better than Tom Hanks. I love him in it. The movie itself is still fairly intelligent, funny, and inspiring. I mean, I still kinda want that trampoline…