The Heat (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
'The Heat', helmed by Paul Feig, will likely draw comparison to the directors 2011 hit, Bridesmaids - a hysterical motion picture, and a huge moment for 21st century Hollywood. Since 1980's Nine to Five, 'Bridesmaids' was the 1st comedy with a female lead cast to become a success across all audience demographics. When you ponder all the female-driven comedies that have come out through the years, I bet you can't think of many. I think of, well: 1987's Outrageous Fortune (which I LOVE), 1996's The First Wives Club (cute) & 2008's Baby Mama (which I didn't really love); there's also the Sex & the City movies. But those were a mostly female audience affair; with an ingrained TV audience that would show up. So, 'The Heat' looks to make as similar an impact as 'Bridesmaids'.
'The Heat' is a raunchy buddy cop comedy that features Sandra Bullock as Sarah Ashburn, a straitlaced FBI agent from NY who is superb at her job but ... not much else. Her dedication to the FBI + her "I'm the best" arrogance have left her so lonely that the only companionship she can find occurs during stolen moments spent with her neighbor's cat, Pumpkin. On assignment up in Boston to track down a murderous drug lord, Sarah is forced to partner up with local beat cop, Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy, who became a star in Bridesmaids). Mullins - as performed by McCarthy - is truly a force of nature. She swears, grunts, fights, drives recklessly, threatens anyone in her way; striking dislike and outright fear into criminals & coworkers alike. She's somethin' else.
Casting Bullock & McCarthy in these roles was brilliant. The 2 are comedically gifted & they have fantastic chemistry. Actually, the reason for this film's success is almost exclusively based on their comedic skills as actresses + that aforementioned chemistry. They are magic together. Now, the plot? Ehh. I barely remember it. The direction? Ehh. It's fine. The look of the film? Meh. 'The Heat' works because of the 2 female stars -- end of story. I laughed & laughed & laughed. The jokes are fine enough, but the delivery of said lines by these 2 are what bowls us over. You know, this movie is not as great as 2011's Bridesmaids. However, I have not laughed this hard at a movie SINCE 'Bridesmaids'. So that says a lot, right there.
But back to the creaky plot a second. This film sometimes leans on its random comedic scenarios, verbal sparring, & Melissa McCarthy's improv a tad too much. I mean, most of the improv riffs from McCarthy (and to a lesser extent, Bullock) are amazing. The riffs are rapid-fire, inspired, & I laughed my BUTT off. There's much to enjoy in 'The Heat' ... but it's a tiny bit disappointing that the script is as 'who cares' as it is. The material isn't bad, just forgettable; shrug-worthy. For instance, 'Bridesmaids' was hysterical, but it also had a clear, memorable story & some emotional heft to the proceedings. It spoke about contemporary women.
'The Heat' has some sweet "aww" moments near the end. But it doesn't really say anything about anything. In other words, after the movie concludes, those audiences who aren't offended by the wildly profane R-rated material may say, "Oh my God, that was SO funny". Melissa McCarthy is crazy!". But they won't have much more to say after that. This movie offers a fun, low-impact good time that distinguishes itself as a comedy starring 2 women whose presence & comedic chemistry is the stuff that filmmakers could only dream of. Funny movie, enjoyable ride, and little more. But you know what, I'm absolutely fine with that.
'The Heat' is a raunchy buddy cop comedy that features Sandra Bullock as Sarah Ashburn, a straitlaced FBI agent from NY who is superb at her job but ... not much else. Her dedication to the FBI + her "I'm the best" arrogance have left her so lonely that the only companionship she can find occurs during stolen moments spent with her neighbor's cat, Pumpkin. On assignment up in Boston to track down a murderous drug lord, Sarah is forced to partner up with local beat cop, Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy, who became a star in Bridesmaids). Mullins - as performed by McCarthy - is truly a force of nature. She swears, grunts, fights, drives recklessly, threatens anyone in her way; striking dislike and outright fear into criminals & coworkers alike. She's somethin' else.
Casting Bullock & McCarthy in these roles was brilliant. The 2 are comedically gifted & they have fantastic chemistry. Actually, the reason for this film's success is almost exclusively based on their comedic skills as actresses + that aforementioned chemistry. They are magic together. Now, the plot? Ehh. I barely remember it. The direction? Ehh. It's fine. The look of the film? Meh. 'The Heat' works because of the 2 female stars -- end of story. I laughed & laughed & laughed. The jokes are fine enough, but the delivery of said lines by these 2 are what bowls us over. You know, this movie is not as great as 2011's Bridesmaids. However, I have not laughed this hard at a movie SINCE 'Bridesmaids'. So that says a lot, right there.
But back to the creaky plot a second. This film sometimes leans on its random comedic scenarios, verbal sparring, & Melissa McCarthy's improv a tad too much. I mean, most of the improv riffs from McCarthy (and to a lesser extent, Bullock) are amazing. The riffs are rapid-fire, inspired, & I laughed my BUTT off. There's much to enjoy in 'The Heat' ... but it's a tiny bit disappointing that the script is as 'who cares' as it is. The material isn't bad, just forgettable; shrug-worthy. For instance, 'Bridesmaids' was hysterical, but it also had a clear, memorable story & some emotional heft to the proceedings. It spoke about contemporary women.
'The Heat' has some sweet "aww" moments near the end. But it doesn't really say anything about anything. In other words, after the movie concludes, those audiences who aren't offended by the wildly profane R-rated material may say, "Oh my God, that was SO funny". Melissa McCarthy is crazy!". But they won't have much more to say after that. This movie offers a fun, low-impact good time that distinguishes itself as a comedy starring 2 women whose presence & comedic chemistry is the stuff that filmmakers could only dream of. Funny movie, enjoyable ride, and little more. But you know what, I'm absolutely fine with that.