Attack the Block Review

Friday, 13 May 2011 01:04 | by Ciccone Cooper

Attack the Block mixes the urban energy of Kidulthood with a healthy dose of classic Carpenter horror/comedy spirit...

Attack the Block's lead star - Moses (John Boyega) - stands firm with his 'gang'

Much has been made of the similarities between Attack the Block and now landmark hit horror comedy Shaun of the Dead in the advertising for this film. It's true, both films have been co-funded by Film4 Productions - one of the forerunners in British cinematic production - and both feature the wonderfully talented Nick Frost. Furthermore, it's another innovative genre blend, coming from "Joe" (Joe Cornish, who's worked on the screenplays for the upcoming Tintin and Ant-Man), one half of the much-loved - and ever so popular - Channel 4 comedy of yesteryear, The Adam and Joe Show. In fact, it even comes from the same producers that brought that film to the screen.

So, it's fairly evident that this film has been built on some very solid foundations. Furthermore, the depth and experience belonging to those involved in its production is remarkable, again adding to this film's strength. However, the question that remains is this - can this movie be as successful as Shaun of the Dead at deftly blending the strengths of horror and comedy, while intelligently referencing past cult classics?

The honest answer to this is an emphatic yes; with the caveat that it unfortunately doesn't have the heart 'Shaun' did. However, Attack the Block does a brilliant job of showcasing another slice of modern British society, in this case a run-down council estate in London; while Shaun was a very middle classed affair of a young man accepting responsibility and growing up in the middle of an zombie outbreak . To its credit, the film honestly depicts and explores the flipside of the coin, following a group of council estate 'hoodies' as they learn a similar lesson to that of our protagonist in Shaun; with the humble difference of aliens instead of the oh-so-familar zombie infestation that Shaun of the Dead deals with.

What really struck me about this film though is the authentic feel with which everything is presented. When we are introduced to Moses and his gang, it is through their robbery of an innocent nurse. From here, the movie quickly rolls into the introduction of the film's main threat - these gorilla-esque aliens - and the characters express their outlook of life in their somewhat colourful reaction to this extraterrestrial encounter. As the film develops, it makes sure so as to remain focused on this authentic feel - a real credit to both the director and the film's rather youthful cast - and everything we are shown from here on in stems from the boys' first encounter with their extra-terrestrial foe.

In a strange turn of events, the characters in the movie represent both an impressive asset of the film, and a sad flaw in society; such is the accurate depiction of a problematic segment of modern, urban youth. On the whole, the film rarely shies away from the characters' flaws, raising consistent attention to the damning sort of behaviour demonstrated by our stars; but this is its greatest accomplishment. Yet the film still manages to establish a degree of likeability to its troublesome group and, dare I say it, make them enjoyable to be around...once you get past their brash exterior.

As the group were diminished, one by one, I genuinely wanted them to survive, but I do fear that some audiences may struggle to relate to what is ultimately a bunch of disruptive kids. Moses (John Boyega) - the group's leader - takes centre stage throughout, but the intelligent decision to counterbalance the core group with a mixed section of society further broadens this film's reach. Such characters include our initial victim and nurse Sam (Jodie Whittaker); the ever-likeable Nick Frost as Ron, a laid-back pot dealer who seems caught up in the wrong crowd; and Brewis (Luke Treadaway), an upper, middle-class student whose inept lack of street-smarts soon leads him headfirst into the danger.

It is probably also a testament to how well crafted the horror elements are that I cared so much; I felt there was a genuine sense of threat, something that has been lacking from modern horror in recent years. When the aliens are on-screen the action is visceral and gory, with characters getting slashed and torn apart right in front of your eyes. Moreover, the production team deserve high credit for their role in this film's success, having worked wonders with what is obviously a limited budget. The aliens are believable, on-screen threats, and the subtle use of music throughout really adds to the 'shock' element of this film. However, there are a handful of 'the man in a suit' moments, but even the best horror classics have had to deal with this flaw.

With a number of strong performances, a gripping storyline and an authentic feel, Attack the Block is yet another impressive release with the Film4 stamp, and is a must see for fans of the horror/comedy genre. Saying that, anyone who is looking for an urban, tongue-in-cheek adventure - without an overly glorified feel - will get a kick from this film...so that's pretty much everyone really.

4 stars