10 Greatest Directorial Debut Sci-Fi Movies
7. Attack The Block
Before John Boyega was saving a galaxy far, far away, and before Jodie Whittaker became the latest Time Lord to call the TARDIS home, they were the stars of this brilliant sci-fi comedy from comedian Joe Cornish.
Attack the Block centres on a gang of teenagers who have to defend their South London council estate from an invasion of luminescent gorilla-like aliens. Having some tonal similarities to the works of Edgar Wright with its mixture of comedy, violence, and unapologetic Britishness (as well as an appearance by Nick Frost), Cornish manages to take a high-concept idea and give it a lot of heart and humanity.
It was also incredibly refreshing to see a sci-fi film with such a diverse cast, one that aptly represents life on a British council estate. Boyega shines as the main character Moses, a kid who feels disillusioned with his place in society but manages to find a purpose when it comes to protecting his home. It's no surprise that when J.J Abrams saw Attack The Block, he knew he found his star for The Force Awakens.