Want to see what all the fuzz is about?

Rating: 8/10 (28 February 2007)

hot fuzz is one of those films which is impossible not to enjoy, it manages to combine everything that is good about cop films (shoot outs, great partnerships and sinister villains.) adds British humour and stars and then tribute and mock them all in the name of a good night out.
The plot is as follows Nicholas Angel is a good cop, so good in fact that his superiors (Martin Freeman, Steve Coogan and Bill Nighy) conspire to get him sent away. Nicholas having just come out of hospital after being stabbed by a man dressed up as Father Christmas (a blink-and-you'll miss it cameo by Peter Jackson) Nicholas is then moved to the town of Sandford he meets up with well meaning police officer Danny Butterman (Nick Frost)and the rest of his new team (including Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine and Rafe Spall.) he soon discovers a series of murders and maybe Sandford isn't all that it seems.
Hot Fuzz has been described as "Bad Boys II meets Midsommer Murders." and that is an apt description though thankfully without the formers crassness. Director Edgar Wright infuses the camera with a lot of energy as the camera zings around the town during the action sequences and seems content to stroll around Sandford during its quieter moments.
Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright have infused the screenplay with a smattering of cop film references some obvious there is a running bit about Danny's love of Point Break, some not so Jim Broadbent's off hand remark about a Callahan park. there is also the teams customary wit "Judge Judy and executioner."
as Nicholas Angel Simon pegg is better during the scenes when he's character relaxes later in the film as while he is an excellent everyman his hard-as-nails Angel still has shades of Shaun poking through, though maybe that makes it easier for us to support Angel as he is shown to be a nice guy as well as a good cop. Nick Frost is still hilarious as Danny who while he may be an adult he seems much like a teenager who idolises Angel. Jim Broadbent one of Britains foremost character actors shows just how capable a comedian he is. Timoth Dalton is a revelation as Simon Skinner this has to be the most inspired piece of casting of the year he perfectly captures the moustache twirling gusto needed for his part. people often forget how hard it is to go-over-the-top and still be entertaining and malevolent Paddy Considine and Rafe Spall are also especially memorable among a supporting cast of British comedians.
and now I'm going to answer the question everyones been asking "is it as good as Shaun of The Dead" my answer is no. and you know what I don't care. when the end of the year comes and I look back I'll be surprised if I see anything more entertaining, the only thing that looks like it can rival this is Spider-man 3. and lets face it the web-slinger has got competition from Sandfords finest.