If I had to
summarize Attack the Block in one word, that word would be: unique. It seems
like a crazy idea, mixing the conventions of social realism dramas based in the
rough ends of London, with a comedic sci-fi horror movie. But Attack the Block does it so well, it
seems like the two drastically different genres should fit perfectly together. What
starts off looking like the typical, gritty drama about a gang of youths in a
London council estate, quickly becomes a deadly, yet comedic fight for survival
against extra-terrestrial forces. The teenage stereotype of hoodies with
baseball bats and switchblades is not only exaggerated, but used. The violent
behaviour that modern day gangs have become associated with is shown in a new
light, as it is used to repel the alien invasion.
