Review of Attack the Block (2011) by Xgary X — 11 Feb 2013

Sweet sassy molassy. I've been anticipating my opportunity to see this movie since it premiered at this year's SXSW. I heard nothing but good things so my expectations were damn high, but Attack the Block exceeds all expectations. It's Joe Cornish's inspiring filmmaking that makes this heavy and hilarious genre film so butt fucking enthralling. It makes Super 8 look like Subpar 8. Or as Edgar Wright called it, "Super 8 Mile." It's inspired by so many classic cult films of the 80s (Warriors, Critters, Alien, etc.), but the style and dialogue help it stand out and apply to today's level of sci-fi horror film. The lead actor, John Boyega, is a revelation in young performances. He was only 17 when he shot the film, but delivers an incredibly commanding performance. All of the young actors are phenomenal and each become more and more distinguishable as the movie progresses. The soundtrack is dope as balls too. Basement Jaxx provide their first musical score that adds so much great style to an already amazing film. It's also the first film for director of photography, Thomas Townsend, who made a building look like a fortress and a city look like a cemetery filled with fireworks. The movie looks and sounds fantastic.

Attack the Block still runs on a horror comedy formula, but it's such a tight script that it leaves zero flaws. Seriously, this movie was close to perfection. Its even got a catch phrase. Not since Tom Atkins picked up a phone and said, "Thrill me" has a movie found such a quotable line. Allow it.