Attack the Block, directed by British comedian Joe Cornish, has been brought to us earthlings by the producers of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, but that doesn’t mean it’s a Simon Pegg/Nick Frost affair. However, that in turn doesn’t mean that it’s not completely out-of-this-world amazing.
In Attack the Block, a gang of tough inner-city kids on the cusp of adulthood, living in South London, must defend their apartment block, and more generally, become protectors of the planet earth, against savage alien creatures. The film opens on Guy Fawkes night, fireworks exploding over the London streets, with a 15-year-old wannabe-criminal Moses (John Boyega), wielding a knife and robbing the nurse Sam (Jodie Whittaker) while his posse surrounds them, jeering. These kids aren’t initially likeable or heroes; but as the film progresses the audience gets a better idea of the social factors have shaped the gang, and they step-up into anti-hero territory. In the middle of this robbery, something crash-lands from the sky into their midst, and so begins the insanity.
Attack the Block is a genre film of the highest order, combining ‘sci fi,’ ‘thriller,’ ‘coming-of-age,’ and ‘teen film where plucky youngsters triumph over adversity.’ If last year’s Super 8 was a grown up version of ET, then Attack the Block is a grown-up version of, say, The Goonies + aliens. Except there’s even more wit, style and energy than can be seen in The Goonies – if such a thing were even possible. Plus, there’s some social commentary, though never enough to overwhelming or ruin the pace of the plot.
The camerawork is tight and stylish, and the script is fast-paced and fun, with “from the block” dialogue that remains slightly ironic while never feeling mocking. The social satire of the story – how none of the characters is revealed to be anything like you expect – is successfully combined with humor and action. Like any good sci fi, it uses the fantastical parts of the plot to wrestle with real issues; in this case, race and class structure.
The aliens themselves are big, shaggy, bear-dogs, with blacker-than-black fur and ominously phosphorescent fangs, and their bite is just as bad as their bark. Just because this is a film featuring kids, doesn’t mean it’s a kid’s film. The violence gets gorier as the film progresses, and I guarantee that many members of the audience will be watching the screen through latticed fingers, screaming with a combination of shock, fright, and unadulterated joy.
Because – although there’s a lot to appreciate about Attack the Block – ultimately it is first and foremost and enjoyable romp. Just hold on tight, and enjoy the ride.
Attack the Block is released in Australia on December 1st
Director: Joe Cornish
Cast: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Luke Treadaway, Nick Frost, Leeon Jones, Franz Drameh
