FILM TWO: Hot Fuzz

If you have any taste in comedy at all, you'll be aware of the genius of Pegg, Frost and Wright. The masters behind 'Shaun Of The Dead' (also on my list of Films To Watch) came back earlier this year with their masterful homage to the action genre in 'Hot Fuzz'. With a budget approximately double that of their previous venture, and a host of top British comedians, you'd expect 'Hot Fuzz' to deliver the goods. And luckily, it does.

Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is the finest cop London has to offer, with an arrest record 400% higher than any other officer on the force. He's so good, he makes everyone else look bad. As a result, Angel's superiors send him to a place where his talents won't be quite so embarrassing - the sleepy and seemingly crime-free village of Sandford. Once there, he is partnered with the well-meaning but overeager police officer Danny Butterman (Frost). The son of amiable Police Chief Frank Butterman (Broadbent), Danny is a huge action movie fan and believes his new big-city partner might just be a real-life "bad boy," and his chance to experience the life of gunfights and car chases he so longs for. Angel is quick to dismiss this as childish fantasy and Danny's puppy-like enthusiasm only adds to Angel's growing frustration. However, as a series of grisly accidents rocks the village, Angel is convinced that Sandford is not what it seems and as the intrigue deepens, Danny's dreams of explosive, high-octane, car-chasing, gunfighting, all-out action seem more and more like a reality. It's time for these small-town cops to break out some big-city justice. (Summary from imdb.com)

What makes 'Hot Fuzz' so darn enjoyable? It's more reminiscent of 'Spaced' than 'Shaun Of The Dead' was, and fans of 'Spaced' should not be disappointed. But what makes 'Hot Fuzz' really special is that you enjoy the comedy, but ultimately, you care for the characters (a rare feat in comedy, but one that the creators are masters in). It can't help but bring a lump to the throat towards the end when Nick comforts Danny (without giving too much of the plot away), and Frost has that huggable, child-like demeanour which can warm the hearts of even the toughest viewers. The relationship between Nick and Danny is fascinating to watch, and that's largely down to Pegg and Frost's natural chemistry. It's alleged that Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg originally wrote in a love interest for Nick, but when they decided to remove her, they gave the lines to Frost. With any other actors, in any other film, this could just be considered as blatant and unsubtle homoeroticism, but in the case of Nick and Danny, it actually works. Like I say, it's very rare that comedy audiences care deeply for the characters in these films, but like Shaun and Ed before them, with these two, you just do.

Not that the comedy should be overlooked, of course. As a relatively new film, I really don't want to give much away, but the subtle and not-so-subtle references to action films, British culture and their previous work will have you giggling for hours after the credits roll. The villains are deliciously twisted, somewhat unexpected and absolutely hilarious. The film does provide it's fair share of gory moments anyway, providing as many unexpected shocks as it did scares in 'Shaun Of The Dead'. A church roof provides one of the finest special effects moments of the film.

Cameo of the Year belongs to Bill Bailey for his fantastic turn as the two Sergeant Turner's. Understatedly hilarious, fans of his won't be disappointed. And finally, his West Country accent pays off!

It's hard to write about a new film, because you're wary not to spoil the film for people, so I'll just leave you with this.