Shout Factory has brought us a nice
little treat from across the pond. That flick is “Tower Block”,
the flick is a lean, mean and vicious machine. Directed with a break
neck pace by first time filmmakers James Nunn & Ronnie Thompson.
This little flick was written by James Moran who's a veteran of
British television. He's written episodes for everything from Doctor
Who, Torchwood & Primeval. Unlike those series that were heavy on
the syfy, this film is set firmly in reality. If anything the film is
more akin to Moran's first writing credit, the criminally underrated
horror/comedy “Severance”. Tower Block isn't a horror film at
all but the film features a tight script and breathless suspense.
Moran even injects a bit of humor here and there to lighten things up
a bit. The flick falls in line with other siege movies, Assault on
Precinct 13 being one of the biggest influences.
Even the brief opening text echoes
Precinct 13 while informing you of the history of tower blocks. “The
Tower Block was first built for affordable living after the world
war. Communities welcomed them as their excellent views made them
popular places to live. They deteriorated and became a breeding
ground for crime and violence. Re-developers took over, knocking them
down. However, it's not easy moving out existing tenants. Serenity
House awaits demolition. The top floor residents are the final people
left to be rehoused.”. The films tone is set right from the start
as a young man runs for his life, being chased by two hooded thugs.
He runs into the Serenity Tower Block and bangs on doors, only to be
ignored by the tenants. As they listen behind locked doors to the
sounds of the teen being beat to death. This scene sadly has to much
resemblance to reality where people often turn a blind eye to the
events unfolding around them.