Hot Fuzz

Edgar Wright mightily kicks Michael Bay’s ass, burying all conventions and correctness under tons of unique ideas, and leaving the diabolical Simon Pegg to mow down his enemies in an even more uncompromising manner than Bruce Willis in his prime. The film is a unique demonstration that properly referenced, honored, or parodied genre fiction can royally entertain. Unfortunately, this creates an unpleasant issue on the way to the viewer's heart, which may be ordinary ignorance of film action. It’s a simple equation: the more classic films you've seen, the more fun you'll have. (14/05/2007)

To be clear, I love horseshit, intentionally and unintentionally funny B-movies and parodies full of references, but there was nothing here. As with the previous Shaun of the Dead, I'm experiencing a slight déjà-vu. Wright's hammy humour bores me immensely, his editing epileptic jerks irritate me and quotes alone do not make a good film. The whole film leaves a sour taste on the tongue with a question directed at Edgar Wright: “What the fuck is this guy doing?” (25/06/2007)

A great action comedy where everything is a bit exaggerated, but at the same time, it is excellently constructed as both a parody and a standalone functioning film. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost simply fit together, just as Edgar Wright fits with them. This collaboration of these three personalities of contemporary British cinema is the best they have ever been responsible for. (14/03/2014)

Hot Fuzz is to action movies what Shaun of the Dead should have been to zombie horror, i.e. a half parody of the genre on the one hand, and a proud representative thereof on the other. Unlike Shaun of the Dead, Edgar Wright manages to make things work out and the result is a very good and remarkable film with humour, a (horror) twist and sharp action. Basically, without complaints. (28/06/2010)

I didn't want to believe that Hot Fuzz was made by the same people who made the lackluster Shaun of the Dead, because I haven't seen such a sophisticated wannabe action movie in a long time... Hot Fuzz stuns with its originality, well-written characters, and amazing variability in terms of genre. If you're wondering whether you're watching a comedy mocking all action movies that take themselves too seriously or a breathtaking action film with some occasional punchlines or parody, know that Hot Fuzz has a little of each. Breathtaking directorial inventiveness, a host of great British actors, and a totally ultimate Bad Boys-style last half hour (a spoof or HOMAGE to Bay, perhaps?) make Hot Fuzz one of the most original and personalized efforts in recent memory. A clear 5 stars. (16/08/2009)