Hot Fuzz

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: February 14, 2007 (UK & Ireland) / April 20, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: July 31, 2007

Plot 411: When a cop becomes too good at his job, making his fellow officers look bad, he is transferred to the safest town in England.

Review: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost join forces once again and the end product is one gut-busting comedy. Pegg plays Nicholas Angel, a hot shot cop who has all the right moves. Because of this, his superior packs him up and sends him to a small town. Frost is Danny Butterman, a young cop in town who is awe-inspired by being Angel's partner. This set up creates scenes that are hilarious, like when the two are called in to investigate missing swan. The banter between the two partners volley back and forth. Frost does a great job at playing the fool once again. If you liked Shaun Of The Dead, then this movie is for you. It has a lot of the same comedic beats that'll have you rolling. You've got to be in tune with the British sense of humor though as it's a bit different than American movies. Also in this film are Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent and Timothy Dalton.

Watch It: And check out the blooper reel

Skip It: Because it's not completely a comedy or an action flick that most people are used to.

The Young Victoria

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: April 20, 2010

Plot 411: An 18-year-old girl steps up to lead her country and finds herself pulled in different directions.

Review: This was a really unique look at the British monarchy because it was portrayed in a very relatable way. Emily Blunt stars as Princess Victoria, the sole heir to the throne. She is held under the thumb of her mother (Miranda Richardson), who is in turn ruled by her advisor Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany). Her uncle, King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann), also has his hand in the pot and pushes his nephew, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), upon her. The movie portrays Victoria as a willful and stubborn young woman. She was no wilting flower. She is unwilling to be treated like an infant or a female. She's quite empowered. I also found her relationship with Albert fascinating. His thorough support for her allowed her to have the confidence she need to rule the country. The set and costumes are amazing as they usually are in these period pieces. I cannot attest to the accuracy of the film or how it was portrayed, but I think it's a wonderfully new take on the royals. Also in this film are Jim Broadbent and Mark Strong.

Watch It: If you like history, fashion or politics.

Skip It: If you're completely uninterested in period pieces as there's no real action in this movie otherwise.