Better than Shaun of the Dead? Quite possibly.

Rating: 8/10 (14 February 2007)

This film was always going to be compared to Shaun of the Dead, sorry but it was inevitable. Considering the obvious similarities with the casting and directing, some people may have been under the illusion it was going to be Shaun of the Dead Mark II. It certainly wasn't, as you can guess there are more similarities than just the casting but by no means does this have any negative effect. Fans of Spaced could instantly relate to Shaun of the Dead, it had all the hallmarks of the series in a feature length film, with free added zombies. This film goes a step further, and it may be a shock to some fans of Pegg, Wright and Frost. I can certainly say this with great authority being a member of their fan base.
Don't get me wrong, they haven't completely commercialised the film, far from it. You still have all the components that made Shaun of the Dead great, the film references are there, the subtle (and not so subtle) references to former work, there are the instances where the same jokes are used through the film with twists to keep them as fresh as they were and there jokes in the background that only the observant will notice. There are of course the parodies of rural life that you expect from this film considering it's setting, and the carefully chosen soundtrack and background sounds.
Then add to this the kind of slapstick you may see in a Ben Stiller or Will Ferrell film, thankfully it's done with the precision timing and sheer class you'd expect from the team. There are far more scenes in the film that will appeal to the wider British audience, but they've managed to do this without 'dumbing down' or compromising the film. Oddly quite the opposite, it will take all your mental cunning (or perhaps the multiple viewings you'll have of the DVD) to take in the multitude of humour.
Another aspect I appreciated was the trailer, it does not give away the entire plot, and it does not give away all the best gags which is refreshing compared to a lot of new 'comedies' do. Although from the trailer I was dubious as to whether it could live up to the expectations Shaun of the Dead had set for it... if you're worried, as I was, don't be. I can't say for definite, as I have yet to test it's durability for multiple viewings to the extent I have Shaun of the Dead, but as it stands I prefer Hot Fuzz.
It has everything Shaun of the Dead has and more, you'll find it hard to stop laughing from start to finish, and there are more points that will cause hysterics. The best feature of the film for me, is that even though it's excellent from the start, it actually picks up as the film goes on leaving you in a state of comedy bliss by the end. Unfortunately I can see it falling somewhat flat in America with it's very British humour, but I hope not for it deserves as much praise as anyone can heap on it. In a time when films like 'Norbit' and 'Epic Movie' are billed as comedies, it's wonderful that someone has dared to be clever.
I can't imagine a better comedy, or perhaps even film, being released this year.