Miscellaneous Movie Musings

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Originally Posted by Prudence

I saw Hot Fuzz. Not as good as Shaun of the Dead, I don't think, but still pretty entertaining. I'd see it again. It unfolded perhaps a bit too slowly, but it was pretty damn silly - in a good way. I get so tired of American-style comedies. And Timothy Dalton looked like he was having a good time.

My love affair with the trio (Pegg, Frost and the director, Wright) began with their TV show, Spaced, which is television at its best. Waited with bated breath for Shaun of the Dead, which was a PERFECT Rom Com Zombie movie. Comedy/horror gold. Was so excited to hear about Hot Fuzz when it went into production. And I liked it. A lot. But I can't say I loved it. Could have been 15-20 minutes shorter. There were parts where I was actually bored. Overall, not disappointed, and I hope they keep making movies together 4-eva!

Dalton WAS a joy and he did seem to be having a blast. Great role for him. But the mystery was predictable and until Pegg's character began to relax and the friendship between the two developed, something felt amiss. I think a lot of their on-screen magic is a result of their longstanding and easy friendship, which translates very well to the screen.

Wright's direction, which was pitch perfect in Shuan, felt a bit overdone in Hot Fuzz. His fast cuts, which were balanced out by a couple of brilliantly done pan shots in Shaun, were a bit too much here. Almost never let up.

Golly, I almost feel like I'm betraying them by not loving the film more. Heh. But I DID like it. Laughed out loud pretty continuously and was not disappointed by the myriad pop-culture references. Delighted with the He-Man nod (twice!), etc. Love these guys, even if I wasn't as wowed as I expected to be.