The Wicker Man meets Die Hard

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2007)

I've just got home from seeing an advance preview of the 'eagerly awaited film 'Hot Fuzz'. I've been waiting to see this film ever since I first watched 'Shaun of the Dead', and whilst reading a film magazine in the foyer, I read an article saying they would be making the ultimate English action movie next.
Well... did they? Not 'arf!!!
Its no hidden secret, but I am a Simon Pegg groupie! I think he is a genius. Along side the talents of Edgar Wright and Nick Frost... this team can do no wrong. Having brought to us the unbeatably funny TV Sitcom 'Spaced', and the hilarious and cult hit 'Shaun of the Dead', these guys are just the dogs!
'Hot Fuzz' is about a super city cop (Simon Pegg as Nick Angel), who gets promoted to a quiet little village in the middle of nowhere because his amazing track record is making the rest of the department look bad. Often used to car chases, and the use of fire arms, Nick gets frustrated having to handle this quiet little village... but not all is what it seems.
The story rolls along at a really nice pace, utilising the beautiful mix of editing and sound effects that have become common place in Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg collaborations. The plot is set out in a very similar way to their previous film 'SOTD', and has similar plot twists, but what ain't broken doesn't need fixing! The script is laden with beautiful one liners to tell your mates about, and are real crowd pleaser's. I guarantee you'll be quoting this film to death!
The technical side to this film is all what you would expect from the team, good cinematography, great special f/x, unbelievable sound effects, fast and beautifully handled editing. The score by David Arnold is just fantastic, and does this film some real good!
The acting is, as always, spot on from the two leads Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Simon plays it cold and tough, whilst Nick basically recreates a similar character to that of 'SOTD', whom he was born to play. The rest of the film is crammed full of the best of British comedy acting including Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine, and Adam Buxton. In the same breath you also have some fantastic actors like Timothy Dalton, Billy Whitelaw, and Edward Woodward all playing wonderful roles.
This film has just so much going on! Its teeming with homage's to some of the greatest action movies ever made, and will need repeat viewing to find them all. They especially love to lampoon their previous film 'SOTD', and these are some of the films funniest moments. You also have some really tense and exciting chase sequences, as well gun battles! The sound effects are just so spot on! You will feel every bullet! What also surprised me about this film was the level of violence and gore! These guys don't hold back! In some cases... this film is gorier than their previous film, and certainly contains more guns!
I can't stop grinning as I write this... its been a long time since a film 'hit the spot' for me, and these boys have done it! Its also been a long time that I have seen a film where everyone laughed, whooped and cheered! It even got a standing ovation at the end! I cant believe I have to wait a whole ten days before I can get back in line to see this again when it opens on the 16th Feb! I would say this film is a cross between 'The Wicker Man' and 'Die Hard', so if that appeals in a weird way... then you can do no wrong seeing this movie.
This really is the film of the year for me, I know that's a little premature... but I would also say it's one of the best films I have ever seen! Don't believe me? Go see this for yourself to decide! This really is the Ultimate English Action Movie!