Member review

'Attack the block' is a 2011 British film in which, to summarise in a few words, aliens attack a South London council estate, yes quite literally. Upon starting watching this film, I didn't quite know what to expect, but writing this at the end of its hour-and-a-half duration I can say that I was entertained through its entirety.

The plot commences by following a gang of teenage boys, led by Moses (John Boyega), around their 'block', then going onto mug a young woman called Sam (Jodie Whittaker); I would say the start was succesful in setting the overall scene, with fireworks around London, most likely indicating the events take place on Bonfire Night.

Everything seems relatively normal to begin with, then aliens attack the gang's block. Across the rest of the duration, the director (Joe Cornish) seamlessly packs a whole plethora of genres into his film: comedy, sci-fi, action, drama and even some grief.

Not only were the aliens realistic, the characters were genuinely funny and very accurate to the film's setting, and I wasn't bored for a second. Certain scenes were surprisingly cinematic, bringing the whole plot together especially in the climax.

My only criticism would be that some parts were hard to follow along with as there was so much action constantly happening, but I can tell that's just the nature of the film.

Overall, this was a unique, interesting watch, and I would recommend.