Attack the Block

Aliens vs. British teen thugs. I’d go into a longer synopsis but that’s pretty much it. Aliens arrive and a group of unruly teenagers do their best to fight them off using a variety of clever tactics. The blurb I read talked about how it was the movie that Battle: Los Angeles should have been but to me it resembled Harry Brown hunting E.T.

There is a lot to like about this film. It’s fun, fast paced, action oriented and grounded in a well known reality, the housing commission style housing of Britain. And let’s face it Hollywood doesn’t make enough sci-fi films. Not nearly enough.

The problem with the movie is who to cheer for.  The aliens are depicted as mindless creatures simply using their teeth to nip and hurt anything they can; foraging out of a blind instinct. The “heroes” of Attack the Block aren’t much better, they rob, cheat, steal and willingly become drug dealers. So whilst they display admirable courage when their home is invaded it has to be pointed out that the invasion is their fault.

The expected somewhat happens.  The bad kids find their humanity whilst fighting aliens, the greater menace draws us together; blah, blah, blah. So whilst stylishly filmed and certainly more engaging than Battle: Los Angeles it is not free of clichés. Well…maybe a little freer.  Worth watching.

Video: Video quality is consistent and the lighting is really good. Despite all the action taking place at night and the director using darkness you never have to squint at your TV to try to work out what is going on.

Audio: Dialogue is strong and smack bang in your center channel, rap music (if that’s your thing) floods out the other speakers with verve and vigor.

Special Features

The making of Attack the Block; an hour of talking to the stars, on set footage, talking to the director. Ok but a bit long if you ask me although the young stars do impress.