Attack The Block - Review

ATTACK THE BLOCK

2011

15

Directed by Joe Cornish

Starring John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker and Alex Esmail

Getting straight to the point, Joe Cornish’s first foray into film directing is absolutely inspired. His movie chronicles a teen gang in South London who have to defend their block from an alien invasion. Now this plot doesn’t sound too enthralling actually, but this film needs to be seen! It’s young, cool and very funny. You can definitely tell the producers of Shaun Of The Dead and Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World have turned their hand to this: so if you like any of the above, you'll love this!

As you’ve probably guessed, Amateur Reviews don’t really entertain alien movies, but we do like films about people. And that’s pretty much what Attack The Block is first and foremost. The gang is comprised of half a dozen or so teens who are brimming with attitude and all have their own hilarious personalities. Notably, leading man Moses is played by John Boyega and he most definitely has a face for the movies, there's so much young talent in this film. Other highlights are Alex Esmail and Luke Treadaway who play Pest and Brewis, polar opposites who find they have one thing in common and are seriously funny together. Cornish has captured the South London teen sociolect and enhanced it to the max, also the soundtrack is very cool.

This film is less about the aliens and more about how a mixed bag of people pull together in a pretty hostile situation. It has it’s touching moments, is terribly entertaining and very fun. This film will make you want to be a kid all over again. In a weird way, Attack The Block is like a cooler version of Super 8 on a much, much tighter budget. At a modest 88 minute running time it's expertly paced and you are thrown into the madness and it doesn’t let up until the credits roll.

Attack The Block is probably in the realm of cult classic, it is immensely quotable, heart warming and ridiculously exciting. You may not like the sound of alien films, but honestly, give it a go, this one’s special.

Rating: 7.5