Attack the Block (2011)

There has already been a slew of alien invasion films in the history of cinema. Heck, there has even been one set in an appartment building ('Critters 3', anyone?). But despite all that, this quirky little film is still worth the watch. 

Why?

Well, despite it's setup and flaws, it's well directed and acted. Also, it's exceedingly British. 

Yes, that last bit definitely counts as a bonus in my book.

What do you mean: 'elitist snob'?

The film doesn't faff about when Sam (Jodie Whittaker) gets robbed by a gang of teenagers from the nearby council estate. But right away, something crash lands close to the kids. It turns out to be a hostile alien that they manage to kill and subsequently flaunt about as if they were heroes. But shortly thereafter, more aliens land and these are bigger and nastier and seem to be following our band everywhere. What is going on? Why are they here? And will the kids be able to protect their miserable block from complete annihilation?

You see, on its own, the story doesn't do much to get your blood pumping. This is the sort of thing we've seen many times before. But the fun here lies in the execution. It's swiftly paced and the action is frantic. 

Also, this film is pretty darn funny a lot of the time, so there's a nice mix of humour and horror. Due to budget constraints, this film relies more on suspense and it can get a little claustrophobic at times, thanks to the narrow corridors of one of those typical British council estates. 

You know: those building blocks that are horrendously ugly and small and serve to house as many people as possible and are often for the less fortunate, thus creating an atmosphere of despair and crime? 

There are only a few gore shots, but one of those (I won't spoil it) is both icky and slap-your-trousers funny. 

As far as characters go, there aren't really likeable characters. Sam is nice and Nick Frost's character is funny, but the gang kids are bastards. Sure, they do get some development during the film; especially Moses, which is supposed to make us feel better about these guys, but they start off by being pricks by robbing a woman, so there's no real sympathy for them. That's a bit of a shame, but it's refreshing to not see the filmmakers sugarcoat it all. They are streetkids trying to survive, pure and simple. It doesn't make them all warm and fuzzy.

Speaking of fuzzy: the alien design is cool and different. They look like a cross between a large dog and a gorilla, only with extremely dark fur and teeth that glow with an eerie light blue when they open their maws. It's actually neat and memorable. Kudos there!

'Attack the Block' doesn't break any new ground and it is certainly not the best alien invasion film there is, but it is a fun watch if you have some time to spare. It works double if you get all the subtleties and not-so-subtleties of life on a council estate.

Give it a watch. Go on, guv'nor.