Attack the Block

Have you ever had seen or heard or tasted something at you wish was more well known because it is all senses just plain good. Well I have a film that I wish more people had seen and it is called Attack the Block.

(Story)

Written and directed by Joe Cornish (Edgar Wright’s co-writer on Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) gives us stylish and thrilling Science fiction story. The movie takes place in south London on Guy Fawkes Day. While the city is celebrating and shooting fireworks, a street gang (lead by Moses (John Boyega)) find, follow, and kill an alien that crash lands right front of them. After they take it back to the building that they live in, they see many lights in the sky that only they know are in reality more aliens and they decide to go alien hunting. However the aliens are more powerful and dangerous then the last one they killed. Now they must get back to their building while fighting back Cops, other gang members, and the invaders.

            This is seems to be a simple story and the movie handles it well. The questions are answered, the characters develop, and I finished the film satisfied in how the whole think came together. The movie does well with the thrills and pacing and the elements of comedy are not overbearing and does mesh well with all the creepy moments.  Nothing seems to topple over each other and have shifts in tone, the whole thing feels seamless, it is that well done.

(Acting)

All the actors fell natural and understand their characters. I enjoy each character as they interact with each other and you do gain a sense of these characters really being in a community.  Along with the gang members, a woman they tried to rob right before the alien crash named Sam who must survive and deal with the aliens and the gang, Jodie Whittaker has done a very good job in her role because she worked well as a character who must place her hatred of the gang and saving her life from the creatures.

(Look)

             I think the way the film looks has a mix of the following

1)   1970’s low budget gritty crime films

2)   Solid colors like fruity favors

3)   City lights

4)   Early ninnies rap video

And, like comedy and thrills, works well with each other.

             Also, while the alien effects are simple, they are well done and believable.

(Final thoughts)

Just saying, go see it. You will be glad you did.        

Sources

Attack the Block. John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, and Nick Frost. 2011

Ebert, Rodger. Attack the Block. <http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110727/REVIEWS/110729986>. 2011

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_the_Block>

<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478964/<http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/attack_the_block/>. 2012

<http://www.rottentomatos.com/m/attack_the_block/