Hot Fuzz
What it is about:
“Hot Fuzz,” the second film in Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s “Cornetto Trilogy,” tells the story of Police Constable Nicholas Angel (played by Pegg). Because of his outstanding performance as an officer of the law, Angel has embarrassed the rest of the police force by displaying their relative inferiority. Angel is subsequently “promoted” to Sergeant and sent off to a quiet village in the countryside. Though the village initially seems normal, a series of deaths alarms the new sergeant, sending him looking for what he believes to be a serial killer.
Why you should watch it:
The comedy trio of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost once again pair gruesome violence and laugh-out-loud British humor as if they were peanut butter and chocolate. Pegg’s straight man is the perfect combination to Frost’s ridiculous portrayal of the inspector’s feebleminded son. Everything in the film works in perfect unison, making for a film that manages to sell both the heart-pounding action and the ludicrous humor.
They Came Together
What it is about:
From the people behind “Wet Hot American Summer” and “The State,” “They Came Together” is an overblown spoof of traditional romantic comedies. Molly (played by Amy Poehler) and Joel (Paul Rudd) sit down for dinner with their friends (played by Bill Hader and Ellie Kemper) and end up telling the story of how they met and started dating.
Why you should watch it:
“They Came Together” is as self-aware as films can be. By exemplifying and amplifying every romantic comedy trope, this film becomes so ridiculous that it becomes hilarious. The star-studded cast features performers like Cobie Smulders, Christopher Meloni, Ed Helms and more. Each of whom manages to do justice to the unapologetically ridiculous script. Viewers looking for a dramatic or serious moment will undoubtedly be left wanting, but those looking for nothing more than a funny story will find themselves reeling with laughter.
Trevor Noah: African American
What it is about: Trevor Noah reminisces on his life, finding the humor in having been born in South Africa during the Apartheid. Noah jokes about the differences between African, American and African-American cultures, as well as pop culture, current events and his mixed Swiss and Xhosa heritage.
Why you should watch it:
This comedy special truly showcases Trevor Noah’s ability to view things from all angles while also being funny. Having watched this special as an example of his skills, some viewers will likely find that Trevor Noah is the perfect replacement for Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show.” Those that do not find this to be the truth can at least take solace in Noah’s spot-on impersonations of various American cultures.
