Review: “Hot Fuzz”
Posted on April 27, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
A quick synopsis: Nicholas Angel, London’s top cop, is transferred to a sleepy village after his arrest record embitters his less capable colleagues. Assigned a dimwitted partner who’s obsessed with “classic” cop films like Point Break and Bad Boys II, Angel soon stumbles upon a sinister plot in the seemingly idyllic community.
Hot Fuzz is the latest film from the team that brought us 2004’s positively sublime Shaun of the Dead, trading in its predcessor’s skewering of zombie clichés for the fertile comedic ground of over-the-top police action movies. If you enjoyed Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz is an absolute must-see. It’s smart, funny, and a decent little action movie to boot. It’s so hilarious, in fact, it makes Police Academy look like Police Academy 7: Mission to Moscow. Zing!
No, I have no idea what that means either.
Much of the credit for Hot Fuzz’s success goes to Simon Pegg and his downright remarkable performance as Nicholas Angel. After playing an underachieving schlub in Shaun of the Dead, I was genuinely surprised to see how adeptly Pegg played the straight man this time around. His portrayal of Angel is so no-nonsense that it’s not that hard to imagine him as England’s finest police officer following the opening montage of career highlights. Meanwhile, Nick Frost delivers big laughs as Danny Butterman, Angel’s hapless partner in crime (prevention).
All in all, Hot Fuzz is an outstanding comedy — definitely the best I’ve seen so far this year. After the letdown of Reno 911!: Miami, this was just the film I needed to renew my faith in the utter ridiculousness of Hollywood’s typical portrayal of gun-blazing, car-chasing, building-exploding, catchphrase-spewing law enforcement.
The verdict: A
My top five movies of 2007 (so far) follow after the jump.
1. Children of Men
2. Hot Fuzz
3. Music and Lyrics
4. Blades of Glory
5. Grindhouse
Posted by Jess | Filed Under Pop Culture |
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You liked Music and Lyrics, too?! Very cool.
I still havn’t seen children of men! And, I can’t wait to see hot fuzz, I loved Shaun of the Dead, and the previews look hilarious.
Music and Lyrics?!?! Wow. My husband and I have been avoiding it due to his absolute hatred of Drew Barrymore (which is ironic, because I have been told many times I look like DB) and my revulsion for most romantic comedies. But I agree with you on Hot Fuzz and Grindhouse and Blades of Glory, soooo, maybe we should rent it? This could break up our marriage, hope you are pretty sure of your recommendation.
Just saw it today and I ran into my boss there. He sat right behind me. Nothing can ruin a movie quite like having to watch it with your employer literally watching over your shoulder.
Nonetheless it was brilliant. I think half a grade down from Shaun of the Dead, but still awesome. Can’t wait to see it again on DVD.
[...] 30th, 2007 by Ms. Maizun I concur with Rabs and Jess and give Hot Fuzz two thumbs up. Very very funny. Go see it! Hopefully you get the same trailers we [...]
Have you see the series for BBC Spaced that Pegg co-wrote? Lot of the same folks as Shawn of the Dead and some of the folks from Hot Fuzz. It’s difficult to get in the US unfortauntely. BBC America shows episodes from time to time.
Alright, I almost loved Shaun of the Dead, but felt it really went downhill about 2/3s of the way through. I’m hoping this one “keeps it real” the whole way through.
@YMG: Give Music and Lyrics a try. It’s a by-the-numbers romantic comedy, but Hugh Grant gives a wonderful performance that elevates it above most movies in the genre.
@brandon: Yep, I still prefer Shaun of the Dead, but that’s a tough act to follow for anyone.
@jmanna: I haven’t seen Spaced yet, but I keep meaning to see if I can track it down. Sounds like my kind of show.