By Robbie Jones
Another spoof, another popular film – Yet another barrel of laughs. I struggled to choose a film this week as there was barely anything I’ve seen, so I settled that undoubtedly many people have seen – Shaun of the Dead.
Simon Pegg is Shaun, a electrics shop worker who lives with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost). Shaun is a simple man with simple pleasures, such as hanging out at his favourite pub, The Winchester. But when he forgets his anniversary, his girlfriend Liz breaks up with him. Depressed, Ed takes Shaun out for a drink, and as they get absolutely smashed, they fail to release they are surrounded by zombies. It’s not until the next morning they realise the world has ended and they must go and to save Liz, with her friends Dave and Dianne, as well Shaun’s Mum and Step-Dad… all end up trapped in the Winchester.
Another spoof, another popular film – Yet another barrel of laughs. I struggled to choose a film this week as there was barely anything I’ve seen, so I settled that undoubtedly many people have seen – Shaun of the Dead.
Simon Pegg is Shaun, a electrics shop worker who lives with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost). Shaun is a simple man with simple pleasures, such as hanging out at his favourite pub, The Winchester. But when he forgets his anniversary, his girlfriend Liz breaks up with him. Depressed, Ed takes Shaun out for a drink, and as they get absolutely smashed, they fail to release they are surrounded by zombies. It’s not until the next morning they realise the world has ended and they must go and to save Liz, with her friends Dave and Dianne, as well Shaun’s Mum and Step-Dad… all end up trapped in the Winchester.
Like Airplane! was a parody of the disaster film genre, Shaun of the Dead (if you couldn’t already guess from the title) makes a mockery of Zombie movies and does it extremely well. Fans of Spaced will instantly recognise the film’s humour and will hopefully laugh out loud along with it. Everything is perfectly timed, well acted and well written, all culminating in one of the best comedies of the past 10 years.
Obviously, our standout performances were Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The loveable duo who are also famous for Hot Fuzz and Paul, as well being close friends with Shaun/Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright. It’s like they were born to act together.
Standing out among the supporting cast are Penelope Wilton (and her brilliant ‘impression’ of a zombie...), better known to Doctor Who fans as Harriet Jones, former Prime Minister (yeah, we know who she is), as Shaun’s Mum. There’s also another great performance from the always-brilliant Bill Nighy as Phillip, Shaun’s Step-Dad. Whilst he’s not in it too much, he doesn’t fail to provide a few laughs. Also, look out for small appearances from Jessica Hynes (Spaced), Martin Freeman (Sherlock) and Matt Lucas!
Now, the film is chocked full of moments that induce nothing but utter hilarity. However, if I were to speak of them all then this article would be far too long, so I’ll just stick with what I believe to be one of the funniest scenes of all time:
Shaun, Ed, Liz, Dianne and David are all in the Winchester. They think they’re safe... Until they realise the bartender has become a zombie. In a moment of tension and fear, what comes on? The jukebox! With nothing other than Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now. As the running joke from earlier in the film says, it’s on random, so as David looks to find the power source and Liz looks after Shaun’s Mum, the other three arm themselves with snooker cues and take on the zombie to the tune of Freddie Mercury and it is simply… amazing. It’s too funny for words, in my opinion.
Obviously, our standout performances were Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The loveable duo who are also famous for Hot Fuzz and Paul, as well being close friends with Shaun/Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright. It’s like they were born to act together.
Standing out among the supporting cast are Penelope Wilton (and her brilliant ‘impression’ of a zombie...), better known to Doctor Who fans as Harriet Jones, former Prime Minister (yeah, we know who she is), as Shaun’s Mum. There’s also another great performance from the always-brilliant Bill Nighy as Phillip, Shaun’s Step-Dad. Whilst he’s not in it too much, he doesn’t fail to provide a few laughs. Also, look out for small appearances from Jessica Hynes (Spaced), Martin Freeman (Sherlock) and Matt Lucas!
Now, the film is chocked full of moments that induce nothing but utter hilarity. However, if I were to speak of them all then this article would be far too long, so I’ll just stick with what I believe to be one of the funniest scenes of all time:
Shaun, Ed, Liz, Dianne and David are all in the Winchester. They think they’re safe... Until they realise the bartender has become a zombie. In a moment of tension and fear, what comes on? The jukebox! With nothing other than Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now. As the running joke from earlier in the film says, it’s on random, so as David looks to find the power source and Liz looks after Shaun’s Mum, the other three arm themselves with snooker cues and take on the zombie to the tune of Freddie Mercury and it is simply… amazing. It’s too funny for words, in my opinion.
So overall, whilst I’m sure everyone has seen it, Shaun of the Dead is a film that must be seen to truly appreciate British comedy, with scenes of hilarity, gore and sometimes, emotion.
So, here’s the plan:
Wake up, go to work, come home, make some popcorn, watch Shaun of the Dead on ITV2 (UK only) TONIGHT at 21:00, and wait for all this to blow over!
So, here’s the plan:
Wake up, go to work, come home, make some popcorn, watch Shaun of the Dead on ITV2 (UK only) TONIGHT at 21:00, and wait for all this to blow over!
RSS Feed
