Far better than I expected

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2007)

When HOT FUZZ came out, I heard a lot of less than spectacular reviews and naturally thought that the movie wasn't up to the quality of SHAUN OF THE DEAD (which starred the same actors and director). This letdown after a blockbuster isn't uncommon (just ask singer Cris Cross or the group Boston) and I just assumed this was again the case. However, I was very, very wrong. Not only was HOT FUZZ a very good film, but I preferred it over SHAUN OF THE DEAD because it managed to make me laugh even more and I thoroughly enjoyed this clever film.
Unlike many films, I actually liked the back story when the movie began at least as much as the rest of the movie. Seeing how the hot-shot cop was punished for his brilliant police work was a great commentary on bureaucracies. I also enjoyed seeing Sgt. Angel as he sprung into action when he first arrived in the small town for his new assignment. I assumed from the promos that Angel was an over-zealous idiot, but was surprised to see he was just an excellent cop who lived in a world of idiots! This juxtaposition was often very funny--particularly when he made his first drunk driving arrest.
As for the rest of the film, it was also quite enjoyable, though for me the last thirty minutes were a minor let down. Now most will probably LOVE the over-the-top action and it was a cute parody on the "buddy cop" films, but I think I enjoyed the stupider and quieter moments in the film just a bit more. These charming little scenes of daffiness reminded me a lot of the town from the great BBC series, "The Vicar of Dibley".
The only negatives I would note are the film style and the violence. As far as the style goes, sometimes the choppy and "hip" edits actually seemed like overkill. Many may like it--I think it was just trying a bit too hard. As for the violence, for adults it's fine and appropriate, but since I am a school teacher I am a bit concerned to hear that so many young kids went to see it. For an older teen, it's a good film, but with kids as young as 10 or 12 apparently seeing the film, this is sad. Where are the parents and why the heck won't they exercise a bit of common sense?! This is a rated R movie because it's so violent--not the sort of fare younger kids should be watching.
I could say a lot more, but frankly with 12,305,308,028 reviews to date for this film AND because I don't want to divulge any spoilers, I'll wrap it all up now. Overall, the film is highly imaginative, fun, extremely well-written and engaging. While this WON'T appeal to people that hate action films (and I am actually usually NOT one for this style film), most others will have a great time watching it. Also, if you do watch, note the GREAT editing and choices of songs throughout the film.
What were those TV and newspaper reviewers thinking? This was one terrific film!