The Heat review
Released in 2013 under the direction of Paul Feig ("Unaccompanied Minors" "Bridesmaids") on a budget of $43 million with distribution from Twentieth Century Fox; "The Heat" is a buddy cop movie starring Miss Congeniality teamed up with Sookie St. James. What? So I use to watch "Gilmore Girls," so what? There wasn't nothing else good on TV at the time…>>
If you've seen "Lethal Weapon" then you should get the premise; two mismatched law enforcers are forced to work together to solve a case. In this case, FBI Agent Sarah Ashburn (Oscar-Winner Sandra Bullock) is a skilled by-the-books agent whose arrogance makes her very unlikable by her fellow agents. Hoping to acquire a promotion, Ashburn heads to Boston to uncover a drug kingpin named Larkin, there, she finds herself teamed up with loudmouth Boston detective Shannon Mullins (Oscar-Nominee Melissa McCarthy). Despite their initial hostilities, the two put aside their differences and work together to bring in this mysterious drug kingpin. But if that sways your mind to stay away; rest assured, I had doubts too, but when the movie opened with a "Shaft"-esqe opening, those doubts drifted down river.
As I stated before, the story is familiar: two cops who are very different from one another have to work together, they get into trouble, they have a scene to bond, they are kicked off the case, they eventually reunite to finish the case, you get the gist. It's a story that you'd expect to see. But you'd be surprised how much it works here. Again, the story is familiar but it has it's share of twists such as who is Larkin, said twist does lead to a funny albeit semi-tragic moment.
No, what sells the movie are the leading ladies and my God, these two need to do more movies together. Their chemistry is outstanding, McCarthy's brash Boston attitude serves tons of laughs but gives room for character development. Bullock's character is just the usual by-the-books officer of the law character that eventually begins to loosen up and starts to adapt the partner's behavior. Both are very funny and both spit comedic fire. Even for a movie that's been in theaters since June, I still found people who laughed so hard they almost rolled out of their seats, giving 13,000 people jobs. No really, if you stay until after the end credits, there is a text prompt notifying the audience that this movie gave 13,000 people jobs and it's because of audience members like you that allow them to pay for their welfare and upkeep.
I had a lot of fun overall. I laughed more than I thought I would. If you haven't seen this movie, check it out, it's worth the price of admission. Thankfully, there was no diarrhea jokes in this movie like in "Bridesmaids." Cripes, I really hated that movie...and THAT was nominated for Best Original Screenplay back in 2011 when it followed ALL the usual romantic comedy cliches?
Final Rating: 4/5
