Hilarious buddy cop send-up

Rating: 9/10 (31 October 2013)

Hot Fuzz is the second film in the 'Cornetto Trilogy' of spoofs from Edgar Wright's team up with Pegg and Frost. The film itself is easily up there with the best comedies of recent times. It's the perfect sent up of the action genre that features brilliant jokes, a hilariously gripping story and truly funny characters.
The plot revolves around PC Nicolas Angel who is transferred from action packed London to the seemingly idyllic village of Sandford, where it's claimed there hasn't been a recorded murder for 20 years. Angel is can't accept the quiet lifestyle and the incompetent police force, until a number suspicious accidents take place which he feels are more than just coincidences. Angel and his partner Danny clash with everyone as they try to find the truth. The story flows brilliantly and keeps you guessing all the way as to what the truth is behind events, peppered with laughs and an explosive climax. You do get invested in Angel's mission and it does a wonderful job of mixing the comedy with some high octane action set pieces.
The cast is superb. Simon Pegg is great as the stern Angel who has to adjust to the village, he does a brilliant job of being the straight man as he holds the centre of the film together. Nick Frost is really funny as his dim but well-meaning partner, his likability and blundering make him an engaging presence. Jim Broadbent was solid as usual as the chief inspector. Timothy Dalton was a highlight having the time of his life as the self-confident and sinister Skinner, he mixes in Bond like suaveness to great effect. Paddy Considine and Rafe Spall where excellent as the sarcastic 'two Andy's', both have some great lines as the chemistry between themselves and Pegg is excellent. Both Olivia Colman as the slow Doris and Kevin Eldon as the pretty useless Fisher round up the force superbly. The rest of the villagers fitted their roles effortlessly.
Hot Fuzz is a flawless send up of the action genre. Nearly all the jokes hit the spot, whether they are parody (the references to Point Break and action puns are great such as "Did you tell him to cool off?") or trying to deal with the local issues like a runaway swan, which is just hilarious. The film has a sharp with that means the jokes never let up and the British sensibility helps it shine. The funny thing is that the action scenes are actually better than most pure action films. The non- stop climax is just full of explosive fun action, it is incredibly well made and has a mix of gritty as well as hilariously painful scenes. Pegg and Frost make a faultless comedy double act, Pegg's invincible man is wonderfully played off by Frost's enthusiastic bumbler as both are perfect as the centre piece. The whole set up is executed perfectly, plus the characters are well rounded and really bring something unique or different to the table. It's also refreshing how dark and gruesome the film was willing to go, the death scenes were both hilarious and grisly which added to the dark comedy feel. It felt like it was always pushing itself further to see what it could get away with. Edgar Wright once again puts in the quick cuts that fit in well.
On the whole Hot Fuzz is an extremely funny, well written and acted buddy cop send-up.