Release Date: 7/29/2011 (Limited)
Attack the Block, written and directed by newcomer Joe Cornish and produced by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), is a sci-fi, alien invasion comedy. Cornish with a cast of mostly nobodies, fashions us a stylish slice of pure entertainment which is occasionally scary and often hilarious. The dialogue is razor sharp, violence is well-executed and the effects are subtle, yet effective. This is destined to be the film of the summer that not enough people see in theaters, mostly because of the limited release and lack of star power. It certainly deserves to be seen and will most likely garner cult status when it hits video, a la Shaun of the Dead, because it’s just that damn good.
The story follows Moses (John Boyega) and his gang of thugs Pest (Alex Esmail), Dennis (Franz Drameh), Jerome (Leeon Jones) and Biggz (Simon Howard) as they mug an innocent lady, Sam (Jodie Whittaker), while she is walking home from work. However, they are interrupted when a strange creature crashes nearby giving Sam a chance to flee while the gang proceeds to take out the creature. They then lug the dead creature to Ron’s “Weed Room” (Nick Frost – Fat guy from Shaun of the Dead) as more creatures begin falling from the sky. The boys take to the streets to take down the invaders and protect the block.
This film was cast perfectly, which is pretty amazing considering this is many of the young actors first feature film. John Boyega has a quiet yet powerful performance as the leader in what is sure to set the course for landing other major roles. The rest of the gang is pretty hilarious throughout as they spew their South London slang the whole entire movie. “Belee dat bruv, you’s about to get merked.” I found myself talking like them as soon as I left the theater. The slang is a little much at first but once you realize how these kids talk it becomes like a second language to the audience. The other supporting roles go to the stoner duo of Luke Treadway and Nick Frost who make for some of the funniest moments of the film. Frost has amazing comedic timing and Treadway is primed to breakout because he steals a good amount of scenes as he listens to his pop music in his headphones.
The way they created the subtle effects for the creatures was pretty impressive. They are dark black with florescent blue fangs and are described in the film as “big gorilla wolf-like motherfuckers”. There are genuinely intense moments as they chase after the gang all over the block. There is one scene in particular near the end that is just so damn striking it had me on the edge of my seat while my eyes were wide with the amazing visuals. It was a phenomenal moment. Also the score by the group Basement Jaxx fits the film beautifully and you’ll be searching for it to download in no time.
I can’t recommend this film enough, it’s just sad that everyone might not get a release in their area. Watch out for breakouts from Cornish and some of the kids, it’s bound to happen. If it comes around your area don’t sit in your house and play FIFA get out to a theater and watch these boys attack the block.
BELIEVE BRUV! It’s MADE!
Movie Wiseguys: 8.5/10
