Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz is a real movie-lovers movie. It caters right to us; it's funny, it pokes fun at cliches in film, it's full of action and fun, and it's British. The British part doesn't really matter, but it's a good ending to a list.

The creators of Shaun of the Dead (being writer/director Edgar Wright and writer/star Simon Pegg) have done it again. They've created a comedy based on a genre they know very well and create a funny version of it. Many would call them parodies, but this isn't really so. Unlike Mel Brooks-like spoofs, they create movies that are not too over-the-top or in your face about what they're poking fun at. In fact, the subtleness (or "British-ness") is often miscontrued and many ignorant American audiences end up hating the films that they make. But alas, those of us who understand and appreciate it have much to appreciate.

And Hot Fuzz delivers.

That's just about all I can say with what I want to say. There's no need to go into specifics because those are the things that are better watched than described. But I nod my head with a smirk on my face in approval. Thumb up.

But the film isn't perfect. I have to give some semblance of a legitimate review, and so I'll go into the few problems I have with both of the films that this "team" has created. There is a lot of brilliance here. But, at the same time, a few moments of slowdown. There are points where not a lot is accomplished in any way (be it comedy, plot, anything). This is definitely more true with Shaun of the Dead. Hot Fuzz shows much improvement and a lot more to love. And it hardly matters, for the good overshadows the not-as-good. But it is there, so these films aren't perfect. But some of the best fun in theaters these days (save Grindhouse), and a much appreciated step forward as far as movies these days go. If Wright and Pegg (and Nick Frost, Simon Pegg's buddy in the pictures, as well) continue like this, there is still hope for decent consistent comedy films.

A future is almost guaranteed with the group involved in these films, and I, for one, cannot wait.

A-

IMDB information on HOT FUZZ