Review of Attack the Block (2011) by Danjel H — 11 Apr 2012

There is no other way of saying it, Attack The Block was extremely impressive. Joe Cornish, as a debut director, did a magnificent job, his direction more akin to that of a veteran, several shots of setting the scene was very impressive. He even enforced a slow-motion technique, but only in one moment, which was a brilliantly shot scene, which shows an intelligent director. I also liked his handheld style, which really suited the film. According to Empire Magazine, his style is most akin to John Carpenter, which I can definitely see.

The aliens were supposedly ones Joe Cornish wanted to be easy for fans to draw. Well, he certainly achieved that, as well as on such a small budget making them extremely believable and frightening, leading to several scare scenes. The style of making them entirely darkened except for luminous teeth made them creepy as well, background shots sometimes showing just the teeth, which was great direction, akin almost to Jaws.

There was some good supporting cast in the always dependable Nick Frost, as well as the impressive Jodie Whittaker, who I was very impressed of, she was probably the most likable character. However, as good as these two were, the main five hoodies were magnificent, a brilliant collection of anger, humor, determination, and even a little fear. Jerome and Dennis were good characters, offering a seemingly more normal aspect. You have Pest, the comedian with many great lines, and Biggz, who is great interaction. However, the best is Moses, a strong, silent leader who says more with just his body language. They are not perfect kids, but we grow to kinda like them, and that is an example of impressive acting. The kids have a good chance of having a good future, and I hope so, especially Moses, played by John Boyega.

Overall, I would gladly buy this film on DVD as an impressive B-Movie.