Hot Fuzz (Movie Review)

Just saw this movie this afternoon. Like Shawn Of The Dead, this film combines action, drama, comedy and a few scares with incredible skill. Stupid humor suddenly makes way for gripping scares. Bad boy action moves aside smoothly for real human drama. The juxtaposed elements are what make this film so unpredictable. The ending had some great turns and surprises as well.

It's clear that these guys know action movie pop culture and they play to that strength with great results. With over-done action cuts they turn mundane behavior, like pouring a couple beers, into an intense, fast-moving sequence that puts a smile on your face.

I'd love to see what these film-makers can do when they have a really hefty budget to work with. As a straight-up action film, you won't see any effects or stunt sequences that will blow your mind or even make you terribly excited. But if you've seen a lot of action movies, you will really enjoy the way they reference the "feel", if not the specific shots, of Hollywood action staples.

This movie will bring a lot of vicarious fun to your day as you watch the heroes do the things you've always wanted to do, because you can tell that THEY'VE always wanted to do them too. The supporting bumbling "friend" character in particular is a big action movie buff, and so you enjoy seeing him experience some real action for himself.

In terms of potential coffee-house conversation, it's interesting to note that the main character, Sergeant Angel, is an outcast in this small town because he believes in searching out truth, seeking absolute justice, and has a disdain for the town's wishy-washy attitude about truth and morality; an attitude that could be compared to superficial spirituality or moral relativism. You be the judge.

All this to say, if you like action movies, be sure and see this one before it leaves theaters. And go soon! It's been out a few weeks and the theater I saw it in was pretty small with few in attendance. Of course, this wouldn't be the first time that ticket sales are no indicator of a film's quality. Check it out!

Rated R for violent content including some graphic images, and language

Quality: 9.0/10

Relevance: 8.0/10