Ok, brilliant is strong, but it’s really fun to watch. I have been itching for a good alien action movie after the disaster that was Battle: Los Angeles, and I’m happy to say, I got my fix with Attack the Block. In the first feature from writer/director Joe Cornish, a group of young teenage miscreants discover an alien and must now fight to save the block where they live.
So what’s so good about it? First off, the aliens. Although I wanted more backstory, I was delighted at their non-typical design (I’m so sick of the gray with big eyes) and how much you get to see them. They are mysterious and scary, leaving you not knowing what they’ll do next. Awesome!
The battles. Who better to fight aliens than a bunch of rowdy teenagers? Each fight is better than the last with great elements of comedy and fright. There is just enough gore to satisfy the horror junkies, but not too much. Each kid has their own weapon of choice and they go after the aliens because they think it’s going to be fun rather than giving a second thought to the fact that they are going to be BATTLING ALIENS. Oh, to be a teenager.
Speaking of teenagers, these young actors, particularly Moses (John Boyega) were really amazing to watch as they slowly let their guard down. They all had a tough exterior and it slowly melted away as they had to rely on people who they had previously tormented. Also, Nick Frost (Paul) steals each scene he’s in by delivering his lines with a matter-of-fact candor of hilarity.
Of course there are so many questions to be answered regarding the aliens, but the main focus of the story are these teenagers so it wasn’t that big of an issue for me. I’m excited that films like this are getting out there, if not just in limited release. It could have a mass appeal if given a chance and hopefully word-of-mouth will prevail and it will find a wider audience.
Rating: Just go see it. Please. 8/10
In limited release on July 29th, 2011.
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