The World's End (2013)

Genre

Comedy | Sci-Fi

Director

Edgar Wright

Country

UK | USA

Cast

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Considine, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan, Rosamund Pike, Pierce Brosnan, David Bradley, Darren Boyd, Michael Smiley, Thomas Law, Zachary Bailess, Jasper Levine, Luke Bromley, James Tarpey, Flora Slorach, Richard Hadfield, Nicholas Burns, Steve Oram, Reece Shearsmith, Bill Nighy, Sophie Evans, Samantha White, Rose Reynolds

Storyline

20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, Gary King (Simon Pegg), a 40-year old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, convinces his four childhood mates to stage an encore, and drags his reluctant pals to their hometown and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub, The World's End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind's and reaching The World's End will be the least of their worries.

Opinion

Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost continue on the path of g(l)ory, ending the Cornetto series in a epic way.

Entertaining and hilarious, The World's End wonderfully blends comedy, science fiction and a little bit of romance without feeling neither the weight of years nor that of the responsibility that carries on its shoulders.

Once again, Edgar Wright manages to craft a brilliant and provocative comedy, thank to a topic that may seem trite, but that isn't dealt with superficiality. Indeed the film does not spare criticism toward man, society, and mostly the decline of the individual, who puts first, instead of friends, family, or fun, the job, portrayed as some kind of slavery that leads man to act like a robot. 

The brilliant script stands out with amazing action scenes - made remarkable by Wright's great skills -, exhilarating gags - both physical and verbal -, well-crafted and complex characters, and empty non-robots that sprinkle blue blood from every pore.

Charming in Gary King's shoes, Simon Pegg is clearly having a lot of fun, and carries us along with him. However, Nick Frost stands out as he plays a different type of character this time, giving a noteworthy performance in his complex and more mature role. The chemistry between them is pure magic. Martin Freeman finally has more screen time than he previously had in the other Cornetto films, and does a great job along with Paddy Considine, Eddie Marsan, and Rosamund Pike.

Quotes

Gary King: What the fuck does WTF mean?

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Genre

Action | Comedy

Director

Edgar Wright

Country

UK | France | USA

Cast

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy, Paddy Considine, Rafe Spall, Kevin Eldon, Adam Buxton, Billie Whitelaw, Stuart Wilson, Karl Johnson, David Bradley, Paul Freeman

Storyline

Top London cop Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg), who is so good at his job that makes his fellow officers look like slackers by comparison, is involuntarily transferred in the sleepy village of Sandford and paired with a witless new partner (Nick Frost). White on the beat, Nicholas suspects a sinister conspiracy is afoot with the residents.

Opinion

Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are back with the second film of the Cornetto trilogy, and they show how to top Shaun of the Dead. In fact, Hot Fuzz is a non-stop comedy, with some great action sequences and a little gore to add more hilarity.

Brilliantly written by Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, the film, despite being just a comedy, can claim a well articulated and very intricate plot that will turn you into a Sherlock Holmes to solve the case, only to make you feel completely useless as you will end up win a finale far from granted.

The film has the perfect mix of splatter and humour, British humour of course, that will make you laugh and keep you entertained throughout the whole running time.

In addition to that there is a terrific camera work - including a shot from above towards the inside of the trunk Tarantino style -, a wonderful soundtrack, and some of the best action sequences ever seen.

The acting is fine. Simon Pegg gives a fantastic performance as Nicholas, and his character is incredibly developed. Nick Frost does a good job as Danny, and the chemistry he has with Pegg is undeniable. The supporting cast is also good, but Timothy Dalton stands out, with his over-the-top villain. 

A suggestion? Watch it for the greater good.

Quotes

Danny Butterman: Where's the trolley boy?

Nicholas Angel: In the freezer.

Danny Butterman: Did you say "cool off?"

Nicholas Angel: No I didn't say anything...

Danny Butterman: Shame.

Nicholas Angel: Well, there was the bit that you missed where I distracted him with the cuddly monkey then I said "play time's over" and I hit him in the head with the peace lily.

Danny Butterman: You're off the fuckin' chain!

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Genre

Comedy | Horror

Director

Edgar Wright

Country

UK | France | USA

Cast

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy, Jessica Stevenson, Peter Serafinowicz, Rafe Spall, Martin Freeman, Reece Shearsmith, Tamsin Greig, Julia Deakin, Matt Lucas

Storyline

Life isn't too good for Shaun (Simon Pegg). He lives with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost), his temporary management job isn't going well, and his long-time girlfriend (Kate Ashfield) has dumped him due to their almost-daily expedition to Shaun's favourite pub, the Winchester. Unfortunately when he finally vows to get his life back on track, the dead decides to come back to life. Now with a cricket bat and Ed by his side, Shaun sets out rescue those he loves and those he doesn't love, and heads to the safest place he know, the Winchester.

Opinion

Are you looking for zombies and hilarious gags? You are in the right place then. Hilarious, thoughtful, and sometimes dramatic, Shaun of the Dead is an extraordinary demential film that became a cult. 

The intention of the film, which is to make a parody of Romero's Dawn of the Dead, is clear right from the opening credits, showing people already acting like non-dead, and following with Shaun waking up and walking like a zombie.

Written by Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright, this film and its simple, quite granted but consistent plot, don't disappoint neither the horror fans, nor those of demential comedies, mixing the right amount of British humour with Romero's finest horror.

In addition to the already great film there is a fantastic soundtrack and hilarious gags and scenes - how to forget when Shaun and Ed try to kill two zombies with their LPs, or when they beat up a zombie to the tune of the Queen's Don't Stop Me Now.

The cast also does its part. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a great duo, both hilarious and with a brilliant chemistry, fruit of their real life friendship. Kate Ashfield wonderfully plays Shaun's girlfriend. The other members of the cast are also great. 

Quotes

Shaun: As Bertrand Russell once said, "The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation." I think we can all appreciate the relevance of that now.
Liz: Was that on a beer mat?
Shaun: Yeah, it was Guinness Extra Cold.
Liz: I won't say anything.
Shaun: Thanks.