Attack The Block

It seems appropriate that Joe Cornish made his name on late night Channel 4, hilariously parodying various famous films through the means of fluffy animals. In a sense those sketches on the 'The Adam & Joe Show' all those years ago were his true directorial debut. Of course, toys and action figures are a lot easier to control and govern than real people. And yet all these influences can be seen in his true debut "Attack The Block". Substitute the toy figurines for an ensemble cast of first timers, homaging films instead of spoofing them and fluffy toys for 'big alien gorilla wolf mother fuckers' and you get a sense of what he set out to achieve in "Attack The Block". This is fitting that the man made his name on late night TV on the sort of show you had to stumble across yourself, before falling instantly in love with it. "Attack The Block" could easily be one of those films you would find in the early hours on a Saturday night. A film you might stumble upon, and find yourself growing ever more entertained by, before fighting away the yawns to see it to it's exciting conclusion. Well thankfully you don't need to stay up until unreasonable hours of the early morning to see it, as Joe Cornish has released a uniformly confidant and original debut, that you can see in most multiplexes over Ireland and the UK from last Friday. Whether or not audiences will appreciate the retro-homaging on display and its vying for 'cult status' charms remains to be seen. What is undeniable, is that along with Richard Ayoade's "Submarine" a few months ago, British TV seems to be harboring more and more interesting and original talent just waiting to break out.

Borne out of a real life mugging that happened to Cornish, it quickly set him to wonder about his attackers and how they might handle themselves in increasingly fantastical and far fetched situations. This in turn led to a beautifully simple idea. What would happen if a South London council estate found itself under attack from alien invaders. So before we have "Cowboys Vs. Aliens" we have 'inner city vs. outer space', as it's tag line beautifully puts it. What Cornish achieves so well with this, is in finding time amidst it's ever escalating action to develop it's gang of hoodlums. Initially beginning as quite an unlikeable group we get to know them more (mainly the silent but strong leader Moses, cheeky boy Pest and brains of the group Jerome) as they find themselves increasingly outmatched and out of their depth against the alien marauders. With recent 'ASBO youth of today gone wrong' films like "Eden Lake", "Harry Brown" and "KiDULTHOOD" it was beginning to seem like the UK were on some sort of vendetta against their adolescent offspring. "Attack The Block" refreshingly paints its central characters as misunderstood hoods defending their home turf by way of eventual action heroes that you'll be cheering along come the end. Although trailers and TV spots have painted the film as a comedy, it actually is an unashamedly sci-fi cum home invasion picture; except here, it's invasion comes from another world. Just because Cornish includes frequent witty dialogue throughout, does not mean that the aliens themselves are any less of a threat. Completely jet black ('blacker than my cousin' one of the group hilariously observes) apart from their glowing green fangs, they are an original and effective design fully in keeping with Cornish's low budget DIY roots. The distinctive electronic roar they give off is sure to be remembered in cult science fiction circles for years to come. All the no name cast are fantastic. Painting an instant picture of camaraderie, the gang all fully convince as street hoodlums who are all too quick to stand up to anybody on their turf, whether they be police or alien. Along for the ride is Luke Treadaway as an hilarious wannabe hoodlum but instead posh toff caught up in the action and Emily Browning as a young nurse (re: the audience) who slowly and reluctantly begins to trust the boys as the threat escalates.

For a first time director, Cornish shows genuine chops behind the camera. Of course having Edgar Wright (who Executive Produces) as a friend certainly helps. However as obvious as his influences are, he shows real flair here, managing to deliver on his original idea. He builds his film nicely, starting rather low-key before you find yourself getting more and more drawn into proceedings. So while his sci-fi leanings (everything from "ET", to "Aliens", to "Predator") are obvious from the outset, what is surprising is where he takes his more urban undertones from ("The Warriors", and mainly "Assault on Precinct 13") which is where the film truly gets it's unique feel from. In fact he shows here what a true progenitor he is to John Carpenters throne in how he builds tension and plays against audience expectations of characters. It's score also owes more than a lot to the great master, as the Basement Jaxx take a few leaves out of his song book in developing their electronic soundscapes. Along the way he litters his film with laughs which only add to the pure escapism on display. It may have taken the man more years than expected to deliver his feature film debut, but his late blooming shows how he developed and learned his craft as best he could before applying himself to it. On the evidence here, Edgar Wright should be looking over his shoulder; there's another director for the nerds in town.

Verdict: 8/10

Excellent escapist fun from start to finish. Joe Cornish may have made his name in no budget spoofery, but here he steps up to the plate and delivers one of the sure to be favourites of the year, and a genuine cult classic for the ages. Betta believe bruv.

"Attack The Block" Trailer

Retrospective - 'The King of Kong' 2007

Here is something genuinely original, which proves that sometimes, fact can be much more crazier than fiction. One of the most compelling and hilarious documentaries I have seen in recent memory; this is nigh on unmissable stuff for almost anybody. In fact, many of the films scenarios are almost too perfect. I mean, most Hollywood movies don't have plots or characters as compelling as those seen here. It has everything you could want from a film. The underdog everybody is rooting to come through and win in the end, some hilarious supporting players, a compelling story and a great 'boo-hiss' villain. And it's all real. And it's all about middle aged computer game nerds. And despite what you may be thinking, it really is that exciting.

The documentary centers primarily on the titular 'Donkey Kong', arcade video game from the 80's. Except, and despite it being the 21st Century, many people seem caught in a time loop, forever dedicated to their love of retro gaming. And not only that, but competitive retro gaming. It is too easy to call these people nerds. Gaming is what they live for. They are real people and are presented as such. And it is not just those middle aged, speccy man-boys that feature here. Along the way we see an elderly lady competing in the tournament also suggesting that the audience for these old arcade games, while small, are most definately diverse. So this small group are dedicated to their love and in competing for the highest scores and bragging rights. All this is for their passion, not to win money or accolades. They simply want to be recognised among their peers. These organised tournaments feature referees, rules and the chance for the players to 'perform' as it were, to live audiences. Out of the crowds the film follows 2 men, both in their late 30's/early 40's and both hell bent on claiming the highest Donkey Kong score. And this is where the film comes into its own. The casting. This is down to one person particularly: Billy Mitchell. A cocky, self indulgant, heavily mulleted and unintentionally hilarious human, he is the perfect villain for the film. One look and you're already hissing him and yet you cannot tear you eyes away. He has surrounded himself with sycophants who worship him and the very high scores he set for the game (albeit back in the early 80's). As a result his ego is almost as big as his hair. Watching him smugly tour the gamesfloor with his trophy wife at his side, you want to simultaneously smack and laugh at him. This is in stark contrast to Steve Wiebe, our underdog. While Mitchell has been in the gaming eye for decades now, Wiebe is the new pretender. He is ready made with the audience cheering for him from the start. A beautiful family, recently laid off and not to mention his proficiancy in not only video games, but also various sports and musical instruments, he has our affections instantly. He is simply one of those guys who never got his break in life, despite the fact of just how talented he is. Could defeating Mitchell be that success that has eluded him his whole life? The rivalry and competition follows, as well as all those involved play out the next action packed 80 or so minutes. And did I mention, it is all about video games?!

Director Seth Gordon does an excellent job with the story. As stated earlier, Wiebe and Mitchell are both tailer made protagonists for the film, but the fact that it is supported by those involved with the competition adds to the comedy. Most are against Wiebe, and most try their best to put him off in various and dirty ways. This is despite the fact that Wiebe has to constantly prove himself on live gaming runs, while Mitchell gets to send in dubiously edited footage of himself beating the game to receive all the accolades that should be Wiebes. It is reveting and compelling stuff. Mitchell cuts a ridiculous picture of a person. Director Gordon said the real life man was worse than that depicted in the film. His worst moments it seems where left out in order to maintain the light tone of the picture. As it stands, he is unforgettable. He hypocritically changes various phrases and sayings throughout the film to suit him. That hair, that beard, that tie, his pseudo intellectual musings on winning and what it means to be a winner, they are too good to be true.

Unfortunately, it all may just be too good to be true as it turns out. As entertaining as it all is, I kept on getting the feeling that Gordon leisurely edited his way around the story and certain events. Which upon later research, I found to be actually the case. So, while no one is portrayed innacurately, certain events have been played around with, in order to maintain dramatic effect for the picture. Upon seeing just what was changed and tweaked, I personally believe them to be for the benefit of the film, and as such, do not personally hold it against either the film or Director. Your own opinion may differ if you feel the Director and Editor cheated themselves around the 'Documentary' genre. As it stands, I believe a small does of creative license with certain events can mostly benefit the subject, as long as it does not twist and morph facts. Gordon seems to have omitted certain things here and there, but for me, it serves as no purpose leaving them in, other than taking away tension from proceedings. I might feel different on other cases, but for this, I found the small tweaks to be for the benefit of the film.

Overall, here is an incredibly entertaining portrayal of men who refuse to grow up. Yes the film could be presented on a darker note (the fact that family and friends are ignored when the great Wiebe's 'Kong' obsession takes hold, that the rivalry seems to be dominating both mens lives, the 'real' Mitchell) but really, could you take a film about such a subject matter as that serious? Those featured here are completely unaware of how they appear to people, but their love for gaming shines through it all. The various back stabbings, intense rivalries and dirty mind tricks are all played out in such a ridiculous background, you cannot help but laugh. As a result, you grow attached to these people. You understand their thrill at seeing a Donkey Kong 'kill screen' for the first time, but don't have to nessessarily commend it. It's all they have in life. It is their own personal mark on history. Gordon is very focused with proceedings and with such a story on his hands he turns out a very crowd pleasing tale. This story has laughs, tears, tension, action, romance and is more exciting than most Hollywood Blockbusters. It could be viewed in manner of different ways; a metaphor for the Generation X's inability to grow up, modern America's growing obsession with gaming, a critique of the American Dream or as simply an old fashioned David and Goliath story. Take your pick as all work excellently towards the final product.

Verdict: 81%

Gordon delivers a universal story played out in almost pitch perfect fashion. Minor liberties taken with certain events aside, he provides everything a Documentary should, along with what most Fiction films should too, all undercutted to an excellent retro 80's soundtrack. Seek out this 'King' and enjoy, just don't get any ideas to attempt to beat either Mitchell or Wiebe's scores afterwards....

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMJZ-_bJKdI

The House of the Devil

As stated elsewhere on this blog, I suggested that the best horror movies are the ones you have to find yourself. As a huge fan of the genre, I began to get extremely disillusioned with it; there were simply not enough good films being made. All these efforts were cynical, studio based gore spectaculars. Cheap enough to make, and yet easy to recuperate costs. They seemed to rely on apparant 'shocking' violence at the expense of tension and terror. Some appallingy used a misguided CGI presence to threaten the protagonist. The art of how to truly scare people was lost. At least so I originally thought. That was until films across the seas started scaring up great attention. In no particular order, foreign films like 'The Orphange', 'Let The Right One In', 'REC' and 'Inside' all bloody terrified me!! They were unpredictable, tense and best of all, genuinely scary. If these films all seemed to do their job, then it had still been a while since I had seen anything American even approaching something remotely creepy. 'Drag Me To Hell', while enormous fun, was the equivalent of a rollercoaster; simply put, it didn't freak me out. Was the American horror movie dead? 29 year old Director Ti West didn't seem to think so.

It was only recently I had seen that 'The House of the Devil' was being released in the UK this week. I myself first saw this a few months ago, and cannot recommend it enough. But before any readers rush out and see it, I feel I must warn you that it is that which is almost unthinkable in this day and age: a slow burning horror! This is almost certainly not going to be to everyones taste, but if you like what I tell you about the film, then definately check it out. This film definately needs attention. It doesn't have big name stars, or any studio marketing behind it, but for any old school horror fans, it is unmissable. The film is set in the early 80's and absolutely revels in it's attention to detail. Director West, uses this as endearing nod to the previous masters of the genre he honours and in no way does this become a cynical tool. Simply put, the film breathes 1980's culture. Whether or not this is in the shamelessly retro freeze frame opening credits, synth based score, or minor object details; (hello block Walkman!) show an unassuming person the film and they would never guess it was made last year. This provides much fun for the viewer, even as the film grows in tension. Unfortunately, a film as small as this cannot benefit from a full round up of the plot. It's a sort of 'the less you know about it, the better movie', so I will give only a small bit away. College student Samantha is low on funds. She can't make rent for the brand new house she has just rented and has barely enough money to eat. So when a babysitting job at a house on the remote outskirts of town comes along, it seems too perfect. Sam urgently accepts it.

As stated earlier the film is incredibly slow burning, in fact some might accuse this film as an hour and a half of nothingness. To do that, is an extreme disservice to the direction and script, not to mention great work of the cast. It is a tiny, and very simple project, but nontheless effective for it. Fans of old 60's, 70's and 80's horror such as 'Rosemary's Baby', 'The Shining', and 'Suspiria' will lap everything up. Those expecting cheap thrills and non stop gore, will not find it here. This film has an excellent build up of tension. A lot of this features lead actress Jocelin Donahue doing not very much at all. West however, offers up nail biting unease with every tiny creak in the floorboard, or flicker of a shadow that you think you may or may not have seen. In fact, West plays the film so that you're not entirely sure if these creepy occurances are not just in Samanthas head-is it just paranoia, or are there some other dark forces at work here? West takes his time to get there, but never once loses sight of the goal: to make the audience as uncomfortable as possible. With so much care and effort on making us scared of what might happen, when the action finally explodes, it can't possibly live up to what we have been tantalisingly teased with for the past hour, as nightmarish as it turns out to be. Those early details of a house thought to be empty are just too relateable and it is conveyed very well here. Donahue and the rest of the small cast do a great job. As mentioned none are particualarly recogniseable from anything, but this adds to the unpredictability of where it all might go. Old cult faves like Dee Wallace and the simply terrifying Tom Noonan pop up along the way to make the ride as creepy as possible.

That the very young West has created a horror film this mature and confidant in itself is very commendable. Many directors his age might have sold out with a 'Saw' movie or two, and it is remarkable that he managed to get his vision of the film made at all, with no studio interference. It marks him out as a talent to watch in the future. In a genre that by it's essance is the almost defination of crowd pleasing, this isn't it. Most of these films thrive on giving the audience what they want, this thrives on keeping it from them, for as long as possible. It's terror comes from a place of no irony as more recent efforts might have been. He simply wants to terrify you. If you have the patience and value your classic horror then you will want to join him for the ride.

Verdict: 79%

A great exercise in a low budget horror throw back to the 80's. Some may argue that not enough happens, but those are missing out on the directors intentions. If you go along with it, prepare for a shaky walk around your house as you turn all your lights on afterwards.....

Trailer: (Warning: Certain Spoilers of scenes and very poor indication of movies themes and plot)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHvSkTDWFfk