Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is the most skilled cop London has ever seen, so his bosses naturally want him out. They transfer him to a Gloucestershire village, where his new partner (Frost) is the chucklehead son of the chief (Broadbent). And something's not quite right in the village. Not only does everyone seem a little too nosey, but there seem to be a few too many fatal accidents. The main suspect is the smarmy supermarket owner (Dalton), but Nicholas is going to have a hard time convincing anyone of anything.

The filmmakers assemble this just like a slick police thriller, with whizzy editing, slick-shadowy production values and over-serious performances. They merrily stir in every conceivable cliché from massive explosions to slo-mo gun battles, somehow achieving understated comedy in an over-the-top style. The two films they quote most often (literally and stylistically) are Point Break and Bad Boys, and in this sense the script might be a little too clever for its own good. Because the targets of the pastiche are themselves virtual parodies.

The cast members all play it dead straight, while clearly loving every minute of it. Pegg is terrific as the stony-faced but likeable super-cop nerd. For much of the film he's completely humourless, which makes him even funnier. And his chemistry with the engagingly goofy Frost is wonderful, turning the entire film (just like Point Break or Bad Boys) into a touching love story between two men. Of the starry supporting cast, Considine and Spall have the most amusing side roles as dismissive detectives, while Dalton gets to hilariously chomp his way through the scenery.

As it continues, the plot gets a little tiresome, dragging things out into an overcomplicated conspiracy whodunit that's clearly leading to a massive Wild West showdown. And while the dialog is consistently hysterical, the overall film feels a little too dry. On the other hand, the message is timely and clear: If you appoint yourself Judge Judy and executioner, you'll get your just desserts.

themes, violence and grisliness, language

22.Jan.07

Michelle, London: "Considering when I saw the trailer for this I said, 'no way am I going to see that', this film was pretty good! Yes it's silly, yes it wouldn't ever happen but isn't that the point of films - to help us escape from reality. It's actually very witty and well acted with the real life friendship between Pegg and Frost shining through. Surprisingly enjoyable!" (20.Feb.07)