Hot Fuzz

Unlike the rest of regular box office released, the comedy genre has been dominated by only a handful of actors and actresses. Recently, Will Farrell has held the spotlight in several films released in the past 8 months, alongside only a few others. Though this provides a strong comedy scene, it doesn’t allow for those that don’t care for Farrell’s overused ex-Saturday Night Live skit-style acting. Just in the knick of time, comedy duo Simon Pegg and Martin Nick Frost return to bring us one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in damn long time.

Directed by Edgar Wright, this film is about a talented police officer named Nicholas Angel (played by Simon Pegg) well ahead of his force in service. Due to his exemplary service in London, which makes the rest of the force look bad, the police chief decides to send him off to a sleepy little town. His initial struggles to integrate into the town are met with great challenge once he discovers the “Town of the Year” has a darker secret kept away from the country’s eyes for over a hundred years. Paired with new friend PC Danny Butterman (played by Nick Frost) they must figure out the secrets that are kept by lethal force.

It’s one of those films where, if you liked Shaun of the Dead, you’ll love Hot Fuzz. And if you didn’t like Shaun of the Dead, you’ll still probably love Hot Fuzz: it’s is old school slap stick humor, with a bit of a British tang, and clever film making. Though it’s somewhat cliché to pair the over achiever with the under achiever, but unlike most comedies, this story actually has some substance to it. The developing friendship between Angel and Butterman gives the story some pizzazz when things start to go amiss. Most comedies these days place so little emphasis on secondary stories. That’s where Hot Fuzz steps up to the rest.

It’s difficult to rate a comedy, as so much really depends on your sense of humor. The film makers were talented, and certainly demonstrated their skill and love for the field. Cinematography was sharp, and the writing was witty and funny throughout the entire film. Pegg and Frost work very well together, and I can only hope that they continue to do so. Unlike current fad-actor duos, they seem to release at a slower pace. It reminds me of the group that did Super Troopers, only more guided, and a different taste in comedic timing. In the end, it’s a comedy you can feel good about. It’s not recycled jargon or familiar intonation.

…I’m sorry guys, I just can’t bring myself to see Blades of Glory. I…just can’t do it.

I walked out of the theatre as the credits were rolling for Hot Fuzz. I was smiling, remembering the moments that made me remember what comedies are supposed to be about. I made it all the way home before that smile faded, still feeling good about my ticket price. And that’s a rare thing these days. It’s worth the ticket price for sure; maybe even a second. And when it comes out, it may even be worth the buy. Go, and see it. It’s fresh and funny, another rarity these days. 7.5 of 10