Plot: The comedic and true exploits of two con men turned grave robbers (plated by Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis).
Release Date: October 29, 2010 (UK), September 9, 2011 (USA — limited)
First Saw It: Late May, 2012
What Drew Me to See It: I’ve always been a huge fan of Simon Pegg…and in honor of The World’s End coming out, you should check it out too.
Starring: Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Tom Wilkinson, Isla Fisher, Tim Curry, Jessica Hynes
Wait Is That…: Yes, Downton Abbey fans that’s Hugh Bonneville, AKA Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the role of Lord Harrington. Also there’s cameos from Christopher Lee, American Werewolf in London star Jenny Agutter and The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant.
And for All You Spaced Fans Out There Jessica Hynes (Daisy), Bill Bailey (Bilbo) and Michael Smiley (Tires) all have sizeable roles in the film.
Director: John Landis
The Best Performance: Simon Pegg — he delivers a terrifically funny and at the same time emotional and fragile performance as the lovelorn grave robber William Burke.
The Supporting Scene Stealer: Jessica Hynes, Pegg’s former Spaced co-star really kills it as Andy Serkis’ randy wife.
The Moment to Remember: When Pegg and Serkis go out for their first kill, of a very, very fat guy. The visual humor here is great.
The Memorable Quote: William Burke (Simon Pegg): “I had confidence in a fart once, and I shat all over myself.”
The Groan Moment: Anytime the captain of the local militia (Ronnie Corbett) is onscreen, it just doesn’t work.
Why I Can’t Stop Watching It: While this isn’t the pinnacle of British comedy, it’s still a really, really fun, charming and well-acted film. If you’re a fan of British comedy or the macabre laughs of a John Landis film like American Werewolf, then you’ll really dig this.
