Attack the Block (2011)

94%

Attack the Block - Joe Cornish
Comedy / Sci-Fi / Action & Adventure - R - 2011

From the producers of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Attack the Block is a comedy adventure that follows a gang of inner-city kids in London as they try to defend their neighborhood against an alien invasion. INNER CITY VS. OUTER SPACE.

I feel like this movie was a huge sleeper in the Sci-Fi community.  Attack the Block seamlessly blends comedy with scares and social commentary, creating a thrill-ride, unlike any other Sci-Fi film. A bit of Edgar Wright's familiar wit and foreshadowing can be seen in this film, as well. A strong debut for Star Wars star, John Boyega – he is a master of minimalism as Moses, a strong leader and man of few words. There is quite a redemption arc for most of the characters, as they venture from street thugs to local heroes. It fantastically mixes in issues of race and class, while bringing them all together at various points. I think Cornish has struck the perfect balance between silly & scary within this film. The comedy makes for a fun adventure, but never loses its intensity with too much goofiness. A lot of fun!