Hot Fuzz (2007) Dir: Edgar Wright
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Considering how often I watch this Edgar Wright classic, I was shocked to realise that I'd never written a review of it. I had a similar realisation with 'Shaun Of The Dead' - a wrong I am now righting. Typically, I'm not a huge fan of police films, but this isn't just any police film. It's a staple of British culture, along with the other two films in the Cornetto trilogy.
As those who have seen any of Edgar Wright's films will expect, this is a stylistically mesmerising film, thanks to some magnificent editing. This editing is most noticeable during the epic and adrenaline-fueled action sequences, which are honestly so good, no matter how many times you watch them.
The film is chock-a-block full of fun and amusing references, easter eggs, and classic British comedy. I love this style of humour, and both the writing and delivery of it is so on point. I love how much there is for the audience to spot and appreciate throughout the film, be it the subtle and not-so-subtle nods to other films such as 'Point Break' and 'Bad Boys II', or the cheeky appearance of a 'Shaun Of The Dead' DVD - it's all great.
The narrative is so entertaining and well composed. It's a story which both plays on, and subverts, murder mystery and crime film tropes in a very effective and amusing manner. There are some great twists and turns, as well as some hilariously silly moments, which make this not only an effective comedy, but an effective thriller as well.
The cast is full of British comedy legends, lead, of course, by the vastly entertaining pair; Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Pegg is at his brilliant best here, with some of his most enjoyable character work to-date, as well as some of his best moments of comedy too. Of course, these films wouldn't be anywhere near as good without the hilarious Frost, whose naive and simple character is so funny and so endearing.
There are so many good performances from members of the supporting cast, with the likes of Jim Broadbent and Timothy Dalton in particular excelling with some tremendously good performances. There were so many others who, despite less screentime, were so much fun; Paddy Considine, Rafe Spall, Olivia Colman and Bill Bailey.
And just because I enjoyed everyone in this film so much, I want to mention a few more names that gave fun performances, even if they didn't appear much; Karl Johnson, Edward Woodward, Kevin Eldon, Adam Buxton, Billie Whitelaw, Alive Lowe, Ron Cook, Stephen Merchant, Paul Freeman, David Bradley, Martin Freeman, Steve Coogan, Bill Nighy and Cate Blanchett.
Overall, I think it's pretty obvious that I adore this film. I think it's great. It's a true classic of British cinema, and one of the best cop films ever. I just think it does everything so well, and it's popularity and longevity is evidence to support that. It's one of those films that will be funny no matter how many times you revisit it, and it's one I'll continue to watch long into the future.
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