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John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail, Franz Drameh, Leeon Jones ... see more see more... , Howard Simon , Luke Treadaway , Jurmayn Hunter , Nick Frost

From the producers of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Attack the Block follows a gang of tough inner-city kids who try to defend their turf against an invasion of savage alien creatures, turning a Sou... read more read more...th London apartment complex into an extraterrestrial warzone. -- (C) Sony Pictures

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74% liked it

24,916 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

146 critics

R, 1 hr. 28 min.

Directed by: Joe Cornish

Release Date: July 29, 2011

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DVD Release Date: October 25, 2011

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Flixster Reviews (3,168)

  • katykern8261
    May 12, 2012
    katykern8261
    Question: Have you ever walked down a dark street only run into a bunch of hoodlums and hope they aren't about to mug you? You think, "Why aren't they home, doing their homework, or playing video games?"

    Hoodlums? Did I really just use that expression? Holy cow, I am getting o... read moreld. Anyway, I will admit when I see a group of teenage boys hanging around on a corner, in a park or such, I automatically think they are up to no good. I don't base this on any experience of my own, but I think it's just inbred into us as we grow up - to think the younger generations are just going to make mistakes when in a pack.

    With that all said, the boys in Attack the Block are hoodlums that do attack innocent people and make the mistakes you think they will, however, if all hell breaks look you will WANT to want them by yourside. Did I just lose you all? Sorry, my vagueness rises again. But it's a must to keep you all in the dark about the story on this one...and it's just what I do in my reviews, right?

    Anyway, Attack the Block is a British film that I believe is destined to become a cult-classic. Why do I say that? Well, just look at the genre categories this movie falls under. It's a perfect recipe. And if my 12 year-old son was older, I know he would love this film, but I am not showing it to him for a few more years: lots of bad language, blood, violence and humor that will go over his head. (I know, I am such a mom.) However, I guarantee this will be on his list to see as soon as he catches a whiff of it. It was practically made for him (and his generation).

    So, here's the gist of the tale: A group of British teenagers, living in South London, with nothing better to do hangout on their neighborhood block. They make a mistake and there's payback. Drugs, guns/swords and lots of bad language are strewn throughout the story. Aliens are involved. Okay, that's it, no more details. However, if you are parent of a teenage boy, you may never trust what your son tells you again when they call you to tell you what they are up to or why they are late if you see this film.

    Except for Nick Frost, Simon Pegg's best bud, I didn't recognize any of the actors in Attack the Block, but they all did a fantastic job at taking this irreverent tale and making it completely believable. So, have fun watching this film; I surely did.

    My favorite thing: The two youngest boys. They had me in the giggles.

    My least favorite thing: That sometimes I couldn't understand all the British slang.

    Rating: R
    Length: 88 minutes

    Directed (and written) by Joe Cornish, Studio Canal, 2011.

    Starring: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail, Luke Treadway, and Nick Frost.

    Genre: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi.

    Review: 9 out of 10
  • aquateen2
    February 13, 2012
    aquateen2
    An amazing and unique science fiction film featuring lots of black comedy, memorable characters crafted by a wonderfully picked "new" cast and thrilling action sequences. Attack the Block is even more than a best of British film with its memorable quotes, horror and humour.
  • LWOODS04
    February 11, 2012
    LWOODS04
    Cast: Nick Frost, Jodie Whittaker, Luke Treadaway, John Boyega, Alex Esmail, Franz Drameh, Leeon Jones, Jumayn Hunter, Danielle Vitalis, Paige Meade, Simon Howard, Terry Notary

    Director: Joe Cornish

    Summary: When aliens attack a South London neighborhood, a teen gang pull... read mores together to protect their turf by any means necessary. But extraterrestrials prove far more formidable than anyone they ever jumped on the streets.

    My Thoughts: "I wasn't sure what the film was really about and I wasn't sure what to expect. What I ended up with was a great movie. The kids in the film were fantastic as was the massive gorilla-dog alien monsters. The glowing teeth was a nice touch. The movie is funny, has action, some horror, and a great group of characters. It didn't shy away with the bloody scenes either. All of it meshed really well together and Joe Cornish pulls off a great Sci-fi flick. I liked how Cornish has you feeling a certain way towards these kids in the beginning and how he quickly changes your mind by the end without you really realizing it. Great flick!"

    Sam: We should call the police.
    Pest: You'd be better off calling the Ghostbusters love.
  • lewiskendell
    February 10, 2012
    lewiskendell
    Moses versus the monsters.

    Attack the Block is the most entertaining sci-fi action movie I've seen since Super 8. The two movies don't have much in common beyond main casts full of great youngsters and plots that revolve around aliens and dip briefly into deeper issues, but the... read morey're both examples of some of the best science fiction to be had in recent years. The movie veers from amusing to tense to serious, but every part of it works.
  • FilmFanatik
    February 10, 2012
    FilmFanatik
    I was unfortunately let down by Attack the Block, which I was assured by friends that it was pretty good, and based on the good word of mouth I had been hearing. The biggest problem with the film for me is the lack of attachment to any of the characters. I was under the impressio... read moren that this film was a bit of a farce and I didn't have to take it too seriously, but I was wrong. In order for me to take it seriously, I need to get behind the characters, and I can't relate to a bunch of know-nothing south London thug wannabes with no redeemable values and extremely thick British accents. Usually accents don't bother me, but when people are talking a mile a minute, it's difficult to keep up with if you can't understand them clearly. The film also feels uneven. It never quite reaches the heights of enjoyment, and it all falls back on the characters and the way things are set up. No one is relatable so I don't care about any of them. On the positive side, the alien design is pretty cool, but it ends up being a waste. The only recognizable actor in the film is Nick Frost, and even he is underwhelming. The bottom line here is that Attack the Block has good intentions, but fails on a character level, a story level and also in tone. Had it been more comical, I probably would have enjoyed it.
  • SirPant
    February 9, 2012
    SirPant
    Attack the Block is a story of redemption shown through the eyes of a few young hoodies who are under attack from extraterrestrials in a south London Council estate. What a fantastic idea! I think the film has been largely misunderstood by many of its critics, this isn't about ra... read morece or class, it's about redemption. Joe Cornish is from London, as am I, and anyone who lives here will tell you that no matter where in London you live, there is a council block within a few roads from where you live, that is if you don't live in one yourself. Joe Cornish is writing about what he knows and where he comes from. Inner City vs. Outta space, the idea of aliens invading a neighbourhood like this instead of either landing in some middle-American cornfield or blowing up the White house is very refreshing. I think the issue a lot of people have though is with the kids themselves, Moses being the ultimate anti-hero. There are a lot of kids around London like the ones in this film, ma lot of them no where near as nice or as intelligent though, others unfairly stereotyped. It's certainly a problem that needs fixing. There is nothing quite as infuriating about being intimidated by a 12 year old kid and there is nothing as frightening than a 12 year old kid with a knife you doesn't care about anything. This makes it hard for us to cheer our 'Heroes' on in this film, for the most part I was hoping the Aliens would kill them all but then that wouldn't be very nice. Redemption and sacrifice may seem a little far fetched biased on the characters but it was a nice way to end the film and not an impossible concept in real life. Maybe I (and many others on imbd forums) have looked for a depth that isn't actually there and maybe it's just a cool idea - no one bitched like this with the original Assault on Precinct 13 which is essentially what this film is, albeit in saaaaaaf Laandaaan. 3 1/2 stars because I like the idea and I think it's a great directional debut, it's just not as good as it sounds, although I'd take this over Super 8 any day! One thing though, no Adam Buxton cameo?
  • JonathanHutchings
    February 2, 2012
    JonathanHutchings
    Competently made, but Attack the Block doesn't add up to much more than the sum of its parts. First time director Joe Cornish choreographs the action well, but after a while, I found myself thinking, "What's the point?" At best, this film is entertaining -- nothing more, nothing ... read moreless; at worst, it's a cinematic vision without much depth.
  • skactopus
    January 21, 2012
    skactopus
    Joe Cornish brings aliens to London and turns Attack the Block into a science fiction success.

    At only 80+ minutes, there isn't a whole lot of time to waste on a small-scaled alien invasion, which is why there isn't much in the way of an award winning story; however,

    ... read moreAttack the Block gets right to the point and keeps it going until the very end.

    The design of the aliens is a highlight. Not only does it fit the definition of savage, but their look also takes advantage of the night setting and atmosphere. They also wreak havoc with some surprisingly bloody violence.

    If there is a disappointing side to this picture, it has to lie with a good portion of the major characters. While somewhat growing with the film, these young teenage thugs are difficult to route for, even against the menacing aliens. Nonetheless, John Boyega is a pretty effective leader of the bunch. Jodie Whittaker is a delight as the innocent female dragged into the mess.

    Attack the Block isn't epic in any way, shape, or form, but it does entertain for its majority. Worth exploring.
  • fb100001493964409
    January 14, 2012
    fb100001493964409
    Well, this is proof that Brits do EVERYTHING better than Americans, isn't it? I haven't seen a film this briskly paced and jammed packed with fun AND horror in... Ever? I seriously think this might be the modern cult film ladies and gentlemen. I'm calling this now, but 10 years f... read morerom now, people will talk about this movie the same way people talk about "Donnie Darko", in the sense that it's hideously underrated and should have done much better at release. The film starts with (almost literally) a bang and never really stops. It gives us opportunities to catch our breath from time to time. These scenes allow for character development and a LOT of great humor. This film does almost everything right. The only complaint anyone can lobby against this film is that the monster design is kind of cheap (they're made of pure black fur and have glowing teeth, that's it), but they're certainly serviceable and terrifying when necessary. Factor in that this is a director debut and it's more than worth the price of admission. Check it out bruv!
  • RCCLBC
    January 10, 2012
    RCCLBC
    A fun little sci-fi / horror film, that doesn't take itself too seriously to spite the fact that (for the most part) it is very well put together.
    While the basic premise is simple and the bulk of the plot points are not very original, there are enough clever, intense, gory mome... read morents and impressive acting to keep you engaged.
    It was really quite enjoyable.

View All Attack the Block Reviews

Critic Reviews

Tom Long
August 26, 2011
Tom Long, Detroit News

Attack the Block attacks the alien invasion genre with wit, energy and a cheeky insolence that makes it out of this world. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
August 26, 2011
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

An energetic genre ride with social ambitions about race and class. Full Review

John DeFore
August 19, 2011
John DeFore, Washington Post

"Attack the Block" demands to be seen simply because it is a thrill - a pulse-raiser whose perfect construction and pointed wit make it one of the year's most exciting films. Full Review

Wesley Morris
August 18, 2011
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

The movie's amateurishly made. But the script is full of little surprises. Full Review

Randy Cordova
August 18, 2011
Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic

It's exciting, and there is plenty of gore for fans of that sort of thing, but one wishes the mix of horror and comedy leaned a little more to the horror side of the equation. Full Review

Bruce Diones
August 8, 2011
Bruce Diones, New Yorker

It's a doozy, offering tight and imaginative camerawork, electric thrills, and a sharp, twisty script that plays like a social satire. Full Review

David Edelstein
July 31, 2011
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

It's wall-to-wall sci-fi pop-culture bric-a-brac, yet it feels organic. There's something more at stake than the fate of a movie-ish Earth. Full Review

Andrew O'Hehir
July 31, 2011
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com

Science-fiction buffs seeking a change of pace and fans of British pop culture shouldn't miss it. Full Review

Ian Buckwalter
July 29, 2011
Ian Buckwalter, NPR

Irreverently funny without ever being spoofy...The one-liners are hilarious, and Cornish has a deft touch at weaving social commentary on urban gentrification into the narrative. Full Review

Stephen Whitty
July 29, 2011
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

Unfortunately, "Attack the Block" makes two crucial mistakes: It doesn't have great monsters. And it doesn't have great heroes. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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    • Moses: Allow it...
    • Moses: No, I reckon yeah, I reckon, the Feds sent them anyway. Government probably bred those things to kill black boys. First they sent in drugs, then they sent guns and now they're sending monsters in to kill us. They don't care man. We ain't killing each other fast enough. So they decided to speed up the process.
    • Ron: Even if it is an alien invasion, they're four foot high, blind and got kicked to death by a bunch of kids. We got nothing to worry about.
    • Pest: That's an alien bruv, believe it.
    • Ron: We're going to Ron's weed room.
    • Sam: What's Ron's weed room?
    • Brewis: It's a big room, full of weed...and it's Ron's.
    • Dennis: It's raining gollums.
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