Posted on April 22, 2007

Is it possible to have parody and satire perfectly serving different purposes within a single film?

Both work strongly in the new hard-edged comedy "Hot Fuzz." British trio Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (the writers, actors and directors of the revered parody "Shaun of the Dead") re-unite in this sure shot of mockery of the high-octane action films of the ubiquitous Bruckheimer genre - or, as one critic called it, "the big swinging dick" genre.

Sergeant Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is London's best police officer. Imagine a mash-up of every good cop from the last 25 years of the action genre but even better at busting crime, and even more love for the extremities of the job.

With an arrest rate 400 percent higher than any other officer, proficiency in weapons, cars and combat and only three injuries sustained on the job, Angel is damn good. Actually, he's too good: He is transferred to the small town of Sandford because, to quote Angel's supervisors, "you've been making us all look bad."

Little crime awaits Angel in pristine Sandford. Hooligans loiter on public property. There's some underage drinking. A local named Danny Butterman (Frost) gets in his car loaded and nicks a public fountain. Angel arrests him, only to discover that Danny's his new partner.

That's Sandford for you.

From there, the film works its way into a gleefully absurdist mystery punctuated with moments of mock action to mind the time in the most hilarious of ways. Yes, this is one long joke about action movies, but somehow, the joke never gets old. The parody comes in clearly and coherently with an element of self-awareness.

With such moments, "Hot Fuzz" brings to light the sad truths of the action genre. Real cops seldom experience the pulse-pounding car chases, shootouts and internal corruption that all action movies have and manage to resolve within two hours. A pleasant departure from the genre's annoying pretenses, this parody doesn't make a barrage of shots fired for no reason seem cool at all. It's all just hilarious.

Once the criminal element of Sandford is revealed, something frighteningly familiar appears. Think of your own town, or any other uptight, traditional district near your home. Then think of the town's village counsel, and its constant efforts to retain discipline, order and the peaceful nature of that community. Now, imagine it with a bloodlust.

Seriously, just try. It's a lethal bit of satire.

3.5 stars out of 5

Hot Fuzz
At the Showcase and Quality 16
Rogue