British Films to Soothe the Soul: Revisiting the Cornetto Trilogy
During this stressful time, I think we’re all looking for something to take our minds off the world outside, something comforting and familiar. So what did I seek out to bring me a few hours of calm and happiness amidst such a time of uncertainty? A zombie horror movie, a buddy cop conspiracy picture, and asci-fi body invasion flick, of course.
While any one of these cinematic genres may seem to be the antithesis of soothing, the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy features some of my favorite British actors and the type of dark humor I enjoy. Plus they bring back fond memories of experiencing each one with my (at the time) teenage son.
For those who have never had these movies on their radar, the movies Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World's End make up a critically acclaimed and beloved comedy anthology. Each film in this trilogy is directed by Edgar Wright, written by Wright and actor Simon Pegg, and stars Pegg and Nick Frost. A number of actors pop up in more than one of the films in supporting or cameo roles including Bill Nighy, Martin Freeman, and Rafe Spall.
Other elements that appear across all three films are ubiquitous pub culture, quirky soundtrack choices, funny fence jumping sequences and a protagonist mired in the routine of a more or less adolescent lifestyle. However, when extreme circumstances intervene, our hero emerges, breaking the chains of the mindset that were holding him back.
Now let’s take a look at each film individually:
