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.