As mentioned earlier, there's a good deal of violence in Hot Fuzz. After all, it parodies the action/cop genre, so expect a lot of guns blazing, mainly during the last half hour. And while overall the violence isn't nearly as bad as say, 300 or Sin City, there are a couple of quick, nasty moments that would make the audience retch and go "OHHHHHHHH!"
Although Hot Fuzz was very, very funny and clever in its parody of the cop film genre, it doesn't quite measure up to the brilliance that is Shaun of the Dead. Then again, it's tough to recreate a genius work of art. Part of it had to do with its slower pace during the first half of the film, but part of it was simply that it wasn't as silly and outrageous as Shaun. At the same time however, the supernatural aspect of Shaun makes it easier for it to be rather over-the-top. Corny and farfetched as most of them are, action films are supposed to be serious and dramatic, leaving slightly less wiggle room for parody. But only slightly; after all, movies such as Die Hard, Bad Boys II, and Commando deserve to be mocked.
That being said, Hot Fuzz is an awesome film. It's clever and funny, and the cast does a stellar job. Pegg and Frost have great chemistry and perfect comedic timing, while ex-James Bond actor Dalton is terrific in portraying a creepy but suave supermarket owner. Shaun of the Dead fans will no doubt love it, as will fans of action and cop films. I look forward to Wright's next film parody.
FUN FACT: Cate Blanchett and Peter Jackson appear in the film in uncredited roles. Blanchett plays Nick's ex-girlfriend Janine, a forensic investigator. Jackson plays a deranged Father Christmas, and appears in a photo within the first five minutes.
Title: Hot Fuzz
Year: 2007
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Timothy Dalton, Jim Broadbent
Rated: R
Article comments
1 - Lisa McKay
Congratulations! This article has been selected for syndication to Boston.com, where it will be enjoyed by even more readers.
2 - Kaonashi
Yaaaay! Thanks very much!
3 - Leslie
I keep hearing nothing but funny things about this movie. Except I heard it is a bit long and drawn out, but the laughs are continuous. I was a huge fan of "Shaun of the Dead" so I am obviously interested in seeing how they turned this parody upside down! I think I will want to see this in the theaters because of all the graphics. If you are still deciding whether or not to see this you should defiantly check out this site for the full review. It's Ebert and Roeper's new site that offers high production video reviews on current and old flicks. Trust me, it's a movie freak's dream. I know this info because I work with Disney, hope it helped!
4 - Phillip Winn
I loved this movie, almost as much as Shaun of the Dead. I'm sure I'll pick it up on DVD the day it comes out.
Interesting note on Cate Blanchett; I wondered who played Janine!
5 - Kaonashi
Phillip- Oh, I'm definitely getting this on DVD (preferrably HD-DVD) when it comes out. As for Cate Blanchett, I didn't even realize it was her until I read on the IMDB about her uncredited role. Ironically, the day before watching "Hot Fuzz" I had watched for the millionth time my "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" DVD. How could I not have recognized her? LOL
6 - Phillip Winn
I actually wondered whether "Janine" was the same actress who played "Liz" in Shaun, but IMDB didn't list anybody at all, so I just puzzled... until I read this review.