Hot Fuzz

While there have been times that I have used this blog to give off an odor of movie critic/movie snob I have tried to refrain from begging people to watch a film. The way things have developed with this blog has lead me to finding a personal satisfaction through having a forum to share my movie thoughts without trying to sell anyone on a film.
However, I am begging anyone who clicks on this entry to please see Hot Fuzz!!! Seriously, Every time I watch this film it gets better and to be honest it's quickly finding a way into my desert island films. And for those who may be concerned that the film is offensive please keep in mind that my wife was able to tolerate it when she saw it. And YOU CAN TO!
Okay, that was lame, but I do not apologize. No, this simply is a must see that I fear too few have seen. To give you some background, the film is directed by Edgar Wright and stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. These three had previously worked on the equally brilliant Shaun of the Dead and like Shaun, Hot Fuzz rises above the level of parody by taking a genre and making a great film within in that genre that is one part spoof and one part great entry into that genre.
The film itself centers around super cop Nicholas Angel who is being transferred out of London to a small country town because he is making everyone else look bad. Once he arrives he gets to work immediately but also finds that there may not be much work to do beyond busting local youths for underage drinking.
As the films continues it becomes apparent that bad things are happening in this sleepy town and Sergeant Angel must convince those around him that they have a murderer in their town.
That's enough plot talk as even the film takes shots at itself for being ridiculous. What is important to know is that the film plays out as three hilarious in one. First, you have the police procedural portion of the film in which we learn just how dedicated Angel is to doing his job correctly. Next comes the murder mystery which takes a Scream type feel as Angel is the only one who believes something bad is going on. Finally, and perhaps best of all, the film unravels into a high octane actioneer in the same vane as Bad Boys 2 or Point Break (both of which the film takes special time to poke fun at). What I love about this and especially in the films third act is that the film manages to be a better entry into the buddy cop action genre than the movies it's spoofing. The action is shot better and the film manages to make jokes and blow stuff up in exciting ways in a virtually seamless way. This isn't scary movie where things just happen out of no where for the sake of some crazy bit. Every joke is brought in as a part of the film and never takes anything away from it. Honestly, it blows my mind just thinking about it.
Now, as I started out begging you to see it if you haven't, I will provide fair warning that the film does get pretty gory at times. I remember my in-laws coming over to baby sit once and my father in law put this in. We walked in just at one of the goriest parts and my mother in law did not seem impressed. Still, this is easily one of the funniest films I have ever seen and probably the best buddy cop film I have ever seen so whether you are a fan of comedies or buddy cop action films, this one is a must see. And if you hate buddy cop movies like Bad Boys 2 (which is still on my list of the 5 worst films I have ever seen) then trust me when I say this film is a must see. So go, now, I mean it. Put it on your netflix, try and find it in a Redbox or run to best buy and get a copy. Seriously, I'm not kidding, shut the computer off and go. NOW!