Attack the Block is SO MUCH FUN I had to use caps to describe it. The folks across the pond have been ripping things up lately and Attack the Block is now one of my favorite movies of the year.

It’s an average night in south London when a group of teens are out running ammock in their neighborhood. From the sky an alien invasion begins, with the group of friends confronting and killing the first visitor. The rest of the night the kids defend the block, and the world, from these not so friendly monsters!

First, the cast of kids rule. Every single one of them is believable and funny. Most of them have little to no credits to their name, but it never shows. John Boyega plays the main character, Moses, and I hope this is just the start of a long career. I was really impressed with his work. Moses is a dick, but he’s fiercely loyal, brave as hell and can admit when he’s wrong. Strong characters are always the best to watch. I can’t recall ever thinking “Don’t do that you idiot!” It avoids a lot of bad horror traps while relishing in great set ups that lead into great moments of suspense. The pace is quick, the direction very sharp and clear. Excellent use of CG, audio cues and camera tricks. It moves a long with a great beginning, middle and end. The movie is just really well made, every dime of the estimated $13 million budget can be seen om screen. I love the creature design that harkens back to a few 80’s creature flicks with a cool modern technical spin. I’d say more but I think seeing them for the first time makes the greatest impact.

Some great set pieces, fantastic and smart uses of gore that I can only sing praise to. So many smart decisions in this movie. I really loved everything about Attack the Block, I wish I helped make it.