Attack the Block (2011) Movie Review

Article by Gabe Zia

Lazy Film Critic reviews...

So recently, while looking though Best Buy for some movies to review, I stumbled upon a copy of Attack the Block. Now, the premise behind Attack the Block is a clever premise, it's about this teen street gang in Britain who find themselves at the centre of what they think is an alien invasion. Which of course, leads them to have to fight off the aliens, which in turn leads to an awesome film.

Probably, for me, my favourite part of the film was the characters, and the chemistry between the characters. These are all fantastic characters, each of them with their own sort of dynamic and thing to set them apart. What's even better is that they're not the set archetypal characters you would get with most films. They each have things to make them similar, but also a little part of their personality to set them aside from the rest of the pack. Even more impressive, however, is the fantastic writing and the way the actors deliver the lines. It all feels real, it all feels fluid, and it feels clever. 

Still of John Boyega in Attack the Block

Another enjoyable thing about the film is the horror elements. You would normally go into an alien invasion film expecting aliens with advanced weapons, or spaceships. That is not the case in this film, it's more like the movie Aliens, where these aliens are just animalistic creatures. And to me, that made the film even more enjoyable, for two reasons. One, it added tension and almost a sense of realism to the film, and two, these aliens are superbly designed.

Still of Jodie Whittaker in Attack the Block

The action in the film is also great, with a sort of mix of The Worlds End and Kick-Ass style going on. I feel like the choreographers for fight scenes in movies don't get enough credit, and this is a prime example. The scenes are well choreographed, and the way director Joe Cornish does the scenes puts you in the moment, it gets you pumped, and you're entertained by the end of it.

Final Rating

Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about Attack the Block. This is another one of those perfect films, one that I think everyone should see. It's running time is a bit short, at less than an hour and a half, but this is one of those films that didn't need to be any longer than it was. If you see a copy of this film in a store, or if you spot it on Netflix, check it out. You will not regret it.

Attack the Block: 5/5