Attack the Block (2011)


REVIEWER RATING: 
7/10


Attack the Block is the successful film debut of director Joe Cornish, who primarily helmed UK television comedies until his premiere with this flick. It definitely helps that he's also friends with executive producer Edgar Wright, whom fans may remember as the co-writer/director of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, but I digress.

Attack the Block is a triumphant blend of teen-driven adventure comedies and old school monster flicks, as we follow a group of young inner city hoodlums while they "tool up" and take on what seems to be an alien invasion. After killing a small creature that fell from the sky, the kids find themselves having to protect their block and fend off against a small army of vicious beasts, and teaming up with some of the unlikeliest of allies along the way.

The film kicks into gear pretty early on and doesn't let up until the credits roll. I knew I'd like the movie from the beginning, and I'm glad it wasn't ruined by a potentially unsatisfactory ending. As far as the alien creatures go, they were incredibly simple, yet at the same time, creative and very effective. With the frame of a large gorilla, these things are completely pitch black, with only one differential feature -- large glowing teeth, which is also the only visible attribute you see on them.

The young leads are said to be first-timers picked up locally and surprisingly do a pretty decent job. You despise these characters early on, especially when they're introduction is a scene of them mugging a woman, but they do manage to grow on you a little over time. And despite the leads primarily being kids, Joe Cornish luckily isn't afraid to give the audience some unexpected deaths and doesn't skimp on the blood and guts (though some scenes could've been gorier). Fans will be pleased to see Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Paul) make an appearance in the film as a laid back drug dealer, though only in a cameo performance.

Attack the Block is a fun ride from the start, delivering a successful teen-driven comedic creature feature that isn't shy in displaying some unexpected deaths and a satisfying amount of blood and guts. Definitely worth a look.
OVERALL: 
Attack the Block is a fun ride from the start, delivering a successful teen-driven comedic creature feature that isn't shy in displaying some unexpected deaths and a satisfying amount of blood and guts. Definitely worth a look.


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