Attack the Block is either good or great depending on expectations. It's an alien attack movie in the vein of Battle: Los Angeles or any number of alien invasion movies, though it doesn't take as wide a scope to its invasion, presenting viewers with epic battles between aliens and well-armed soldiers. Instead, it takes an incredibly localized approach, pitting a group of hoodlums against a small-scale invasion. What the concept lacks in scope, it makes up for with razor-sharp focus on storytelling and just the right amount of absurd (but not ridiculous) humor.
Small-time hoods rule the streets of London. Each is in search of their next big score, each hoping to gain the attention of Hi-Hatz (Jumayn Hunter), the local thug boss and drug dealer. One such gang, led by Moses (John Boyega), manages to corner would-be victim Sam (Jodie Whittaker) only to have the crime thwarted when a meteor strikes a nearby car. Sam escapes, leaving Moses and his group to face down a small creature that survives the crash.
The gang brings the trophy to Hi-Hatz, in hopes his assistant Ron (Nick Frost) can help them identify it. Ron concludes the group has discovered an alien, prompting Moses to ask the two pot dealers to hold onto the body while the gang figures out a way to profit off their discovery. However, the group soon discovers their alien is the first in an army of giant, black-furred aliens landing in the area. After teaming up with a reluctant Sam, the group sets out to protect their block, all the while avoiding the cops, who have no clue of the invasion taking place around them.
Attack the Block works, though only if viewers are willing to suspend their disbelief and simply enjoy the movie for what it is - an alien invasion movie. Yet, it isn't a typical alien attack movie, which will leave some viewers unsatisfied. Unlike other movies, where the invasion is cause for widespread destruction, the attack is kept very tight and confined. Considering the number of aliens seen falling from the sky, you would expect more devastation and pandemonium, but once the invasion starts, the streets are empty and the aliens only have eyes for our band of heroes.
At the same time, the confined story helps create a more confusing, claustrophobic movie. I rarely fall for jump scares, but Attack the Block got me on at least two occasions. Though it has its tense moments, the overall tone is more in line with Shaun of the Dead or, in some respects, Scott Pilgrim. There's something deeper going on beyond the alien invasion, yet the more serious topics never upstage the action. It's well-balanced and manages to hit its high points at just the right time without tripping on its premise.
At the same time, some of the storytelling does go a bit off track at times, favoring chases and action over exposition and character development. You get enough of an idea of whom the gang members are, though none ever rise too far above simple caricatures of themselves. The lone exceptions are Sam and Moses. Sam is a character you can't help but like, especially considering how she's pulled into the block's ordeal through no fault of her own. Moses is even more interesting considering he doesn't speak that much. He's a cool operator who lets his motley gang of rogues do his talking, only piping up when absolutely necessary.
Attack the Block isn't a large-scale invasion movie, though if you can, the Blu-ray is the way to go. The colors are saturated and paint a neat picture. Everything has a brilliant sheen to it that works really well, especially once you see the aliens. Though not as impressive as other big screen aliens, the deep black fur and glowing teeth are impressive. The look helps keep up the suspense since the shadowy masses could be anywhere.
That said, I did have a few problems with the audio. Though clear and crisp, the mix sounded a bit off. Voices were way too low at times while sound effects rang out like cannon shots. I ended up watching the entire movie with my remote in hand, constantly tweaking the sound based on what was happening on screen.
Attack the Block hits with a number of extras. The big feature is the numerous commentary tracks with cast and crew. Nearly everyone associated with the movie - from Writer/ Director Joe Cornish to the cast and Executive Producer Edgar Wright - has something to say. I'll admit to not listening to every commentary, though I like what I heard and imagine fans will as well.
Another biggie is the hour-long documentary, "Behind the Block," with takes an incredibly in-depth look at the film's production. It's a great look at everything involved in making the movie and couples really well with another extra, "Unfilmed Action," which covers a few scenes that were cut in order to keep the film under budget. It isn't exactly "no budget filmmaking," but serves as a great lesson for would-be filmmakers that you can't always film everything you want and sometimes need to "kill your young."
"Creature Feature" also compliments the "Making of..." feature, showing the evolution of some of the movie's creature effects. Finally, there's a short "Meet the Cast" feature and "That's a Rap," where the cast gets together to put together a rap song.
Attack the Block may not be a typical alien invasion movie, but if you're into more off-beat films, or a big fan of British humor, it is at least worth a watch. It's an incredibly solid offering and comes recommended.
