Gangs of kids roaming the streets ‘ain’t gonna tek kindly’ to their turf being threatened. And ruler of this particular roost, young Moses, will take no nonsense from his gang.
An early mugging of Sam(antha) late one night on the streets near to ‘The Block’ is interrupted by a crash-landing alien. Moses quickly dispenses the creature. How to flog the carcass through eBay or elsewhere is now the issue.
But their tower-block is soon under attack from invading alien forces, bent on revenge for their fallen comrade.
Protect the Block
Jet-black, hairy, four-legged creatures with glowing fangs run amok from floor to floor and in the dark recesses of badly lit corridors and external pathways, searching out our inner-city hoodlums-now-heroes. The five (including former victim Sam) gather whatever weapons they can to fight them off.
Adults are not a feature except as ineffectual police officers or stoner weed dealers. Attack the Block is centred around youth and urban violence – the bandanna’ed hoodies become, in the course of one long night, people we root for rather than judge and condemn. This perceived glorification of gang culture has been the cause of considerable controversy in the UK, particularly in light of the urban riots that took place in the major cities around the time of the film’s release.
But the counter-argument is that Attack the Block is about redemption.
Ensemble acting par excellence
John Boyega as Moses is a revelation, a taciturn leader whose presence carries a thousand words. But it is Alex Esmail as gang member Pest who, along with Luke Treadaway’s bourgeois stoner university student, steals every scene. His throwaway observations and one-line flirtations with Sam are laugh-out-loud funny.
But the film is ultimately not about singular standout performances. It’s an ensemble piece where the individuals must all work together to defeat the external threat.
It’s enjoyable, gory fun and has achieved the right balance between tension and laughter. Frantic, frenetic, energetic, Attack the Block marks the directorial debut of comedian, television and radio host Joe Cornish.
Personal rating: 3 stars
Attack the Block
- Directed by Joe Cornish (Blunder, Making ‘Little Britain’ Too – both TV)
- Written by Joe Cornish (The Adventures of Tintin, The Adam & Joe Show – TV)
- Produced by Nira Park (Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Paul), James Wilson (The King, Under the Skin)
- Starring John Boyega (Junkhearts, Da Brick – TV), Jodie Whittaker (One Day, Venus), Alex Esmail (Strippers vs Werewolves, Payback Season)
Keith Lawrence - Published writer of articles in magazines, newspapers and websites, predominantly on culture, alongside ghostwriter/editor/copywriter.
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