Vampires vs. the Bronx

This was obviously influenced by Attack the Block's combining of hood films with genre elements. But whereas ATB was endlessly creative, insightful, moving, and prescient in its sociopolitical commentary, this film has nothing. It fails on a horror level as the rules and exposition make no sense. And it is far too twee and mawkish, even for a coming of age story. Lastly the social thriller aspects don't gel as the vampire setting never fits for the gentrification analogy. Avoid at all costs.

At its best, not far from a US version of Attack the Block, with vampires doing their usual one-metaphor-fits-all thing to stand in for gentrification, police violence, etc. Not bad, and certainly timely, but I'm torn between wishing it was a little less kid-friendly, and being glad not only middle-class white kids get to have a Stranger Things.

This movie is trying hard to be Attack the Block meets the goonies and suffers from being not as funny as the goonies and not as intense as Attack the Block. It also feels like Netflix just had this to appease the Stranger Things crowd. I did enjoy it as a forgettable comedy/horror throwback. The acting is decent but the leads are a bit shaky at times.

It gets a pass because it doesn't take itself seriously, but it is still not that good. Mediocre direction, mediocre acting and bad script writing can only be good to a certain point.

This is an entertaining horror and comedy. The cast seem to be having a good time with their roles in this one. The script is not groundbreaking but it does provide many fun moments. Overall I would recommend this movie.

From the trailer this looked like an American version of "Attack The Block", and it sorta was, only with all of the blood sucked out of it. Fitting, I suppose, in more than one way. All the horror was muted for the benefit of the comedy, and all of the comedy...actually I'm not really sure there was any comedy.

I just can't get through that premise. Kids from the Bronx fighting against the "Murnau" real estate company- white vampires trying to gentrify the hood. The smarmy self-congratulation behind that idea is just completely unbearable. It's for "woke" and "smart" audiences, who don't want to put in any effort. The sheer thought of it fills me with rage. Nothing could break through my block of hatred for that pitch, despite solid production values and a very good performance by Kid Mero.

"We must secure Zoe Saldana in this film even if for only 3 minutes!"

This is a group of good kids with good motives who manage to vanquish a half dozen vampires. Suitable for older children. Sarah Gadon was a brief but nice touch as the sweet hot girl who is secretly the vampire commander. It is juvenile, non-offensive, mildly humorous, and, as expected, contains a bit of religious nonsense. Barely worth watching and entirely forgettable.

I don't live in the Bronx, I've never been, but it sure does feel like a love letter to it. It definitely has something to say about the state of things, and the film itself might be a little B-grade, but it is very self-aware. It's a fun, enjoyable watch.

I understand that there is a deeper message trying to come across here, but the movie is bad. Just plain bad. Bad script, bad dialogue, at times incoherent. Just all around bad. Go watch Attack the Block.

Uneven and unconfidently shot, nonetheless a minor success in the subgenre it wishes to be. The Kid Mero's easy charm suits his role perfectly, but Method Man and Shea Whigham are given little to do, Father Jackson in particular feeling like half his scenes were left on the cutting room floor. The kids turn in largely perfunctory performances but Gerald W. Jones III hints at something greater.

A movie that is so much fun and doesnt take itself too seriously. If NY/Hispanic culture is up your alley then this film will leave you satisfied.

(GENTRIFY THE BLOCK)

worth a watch

Meeeh

While the concept is interesting and full of possible allegories, it’s ruined by weak directing and camera work

Good plot, nice characters, a bit clichéd but still lots of fun. The gentrification elements work very well and add to the movie.

Average