Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Ranked

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Edgar Wright's Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Ranked

As a huge fan of Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, I have to admit that I was initially disappointed when “The World’s End” didn’t receive as much critical acclaim as its predecessors “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.” However, upon rewatching it with fresh eyes and a deeper appreciation for its unique elements, I now see why it deserves just as much love.

As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for quirky and interconnected stories, I find Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy to be a hidden gem in modern cinema. At first glance, one might be misled by the seemingly unrelated titles, assuming they share a common cinematic universe. However, upon closer inspection, each film offers a unique genre and narrative, with Cornetto ice cream appearing as subtle connecting threads.

In summary, the Cornetto Trilogy by Wright is an excellent introduction for new fans to his filmmaking style. However, determining their ranking and understanding what to anticipate from these witty and bizarre movies poses a challenge. After careful consideration, here’s how I would rank the Three Flavours Cornetto films, acknowledging that each one is impressive in its unique way:

3. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Edgar Wright's Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Ranked

As a big fan of this trilogy, I can’t help but reminisce about the movie that sparked it all – “Shaun of the Dead” from 2004. In this hilarious zombie comedy, we’re introduced to Shaun, a London resident who, at first glance, seems like your average guy going through tough times. His girlfriend has just left him, his colleagues find him amusing at best, and his roommate Pete is tired of their immature antics. But little do they know, an even bigger problem is brewing – zombies are taking over London! In the midst of this chaos, Shaun steps up to save his loved ones and prove that he’s more than just a pushover.

Pegg accurately represents his character as an immature man unexpectedly dealing with a major life crisis, which he didn’t cause. Ashfield, Frost, and Bill Nighy (as Philip) deliver impressive supporting performances. However, Dylan Moran stands out as Liz’s friend David. His portrayal of David is harshly unlikable, and his contempt for Shaun is so overtly cruel that viewers might secretly root for the zombies to claim him during the film’s progression.

Using a more conversational tone, The Rotten Tomatoes critic score for “Shaun of the Dead” reached an impressive high of 92%, along with an audience rating of 93%. This made it a huge success among both critics and viewers. However, opinions differ when it comes to the Cornetto Trilogy, and while “Shaun of the Dead” is delightful as a horror-comedy, some may argue that the two subsequent films surpassed it in appeal.

2. The World’s End (2013)

Edgar Wright's Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Ranked

In simpler terms, many reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes prefer the other two movies in the Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy (“The World’s End” included) less than “The World’s End.” Its critical (91% out of 100%) and audience (78% out of 100%) scores are lower than those of its counterparts. However, there are valid points made in defense of this film against its lower ranking on the site.

In a nod to his unchanged high school ways, Gary King, portrayed by Simon Pegg, is a 40-year-old man who has never truly grown up. He continues to behave, speak, and dress like he did in the early ’90s. Eager to relive the thrills of his youth, Gary invites four former schoolmates for an adventure: they aim to finish the infamous “Golden Mile” pub crawl that they had abandoned at 17. Despite their reservations and adult responsibilities, they eventually agree, only to find themselves in a shocking predicament. The people of their hometown, Newton Haven, have been replaced by seemingly identical aliens, or as they come to know them, “Blanks.”

“In ‘The World’s End,’ Pegg and Nick Frost switch roles from their usual dynamic on screen: instead of Pegg playing the serious character and Frost the comedic sidekick, it’s Frost who holds a long-standing grudge against Gary’s immaturity. The film’s opening scene is a must-watch for sci-fi fans, filled with subtle hints that forecast the events of Newton Haven in 1990.”

Due to its imperfect and identifiable protagonist, surprising emotional depth amid the comedy, the captivating opening scene, and an astonishingly fulfilling finale, “The World’s End” delivers a knockout performance. However, another film manages to outdo it even more.

1. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Edgar Wright's Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Ranked

We’ve reached the top tier of Cornetto’s best selections, and that distinction goes to “Hot Fuzz.” This film has received exceptional praise from both critics (with a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and viewers (89% approval). “Hot Fuzz” is an amusing take on buddy cop movies, skillfully poking fun at the familiar tropes that populate this genre.

In this film, Nicholas Angel (performed by Simon Pegg), an meticulous and skilled police sergeant, feels displeased when he is sent to work in the tranquil town of Sandford, Gloucestershire. There, he faces ridicule from his less professional colleagues and constant reminders about the town’s minimal crime rates. Despite his initial reluctance, Nicholas befriends Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), a police officer he had previously stopped for driving under the influence and the son of Sandford’s high-ranking law enforcement officials. Together, they explore a string of perplexing “accidents” that turn out to be hidden murders, putting the town’s cherished reputation for safety at risk.

“Hot Fuzz,” from the Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, is a film that leaves many convinced of its superiority. Its mockery of action movie tropes is impressively accurate, and the gradual unveiling of the true antagonists in Sandford is masterfully done. Moreover, Pegg and Frost’s on-screen dynamic adds another layer to the trilogy, shining brightest in “Hot Fuzz,” where they stand out as the rational voices in a town that hides its dark secrets. For those seeking an action-packed comedy filled with humor and pop culture references, this movie is a must-watch.

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2024-07-15 20:00