Thursday September 8, 2011

Attack the Block- Not only is this a movie to seek out, but a movie to seek out again. Coming out of just seeing it, I can certainly make the claim that it's a film that will deserves multiple viewings, for being not only original, but fun in the process (like its produced predecessors 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Shaun of the Dead'). Don't get it wrong by the trailers, this movie is far more sci-fi than comedy, and far more action/social commentary than horror (though there is an okay amount of gore). It has moments where you chuckle, but it's all grounded in reality, and that might be one of the reasons it's so great. It's generally thrilling when it tries to be and it has interesting wit when it has something to say about the culture in the film, even if that something is underscored by the sleek dark design of the aliens or the solid score by Felix Burton and Simon Ratcliffe (Basement Jaxx) and Steven Price. The best of this film comes from its characters, who are so interesting together that I could see myself watching a sequel with the survivors facing some other random oddity and I probably wouldn't even mind the absurdity of that situation. Goes to show you, never underestimate the comedians. Joe Cornish, this his feature directorial debut, does good work, and I'm psyched to see whatever he cooks up next.



- Jeff Bassin