Thursday, June 6, 2013

Review: The Heat


Release Date: June 28, 2013
Running Time: 117 minutes
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Sandra Bullock, Tony Hale
Who to see it with: Someone who loves girl power

David:



I feel like Melissa McCarthy plays the same character in all of her movies. From Bridesmaids, to Identity Thief, to Hangover III, she seems to be starring in a ton of films all doing the same bit. So I was a little hesitant to see The Heat, the new movie staring McCarthy and Sandra Bullock. I figured it would be more of the same; which it kind of is but at the same time, it's really funny. A straight edge FBI agent (Bullock) is forced to team up with a loud, gruff, slightly raunchy Boston cop (McCarthy). Obviously this dynamic causes a lot of tension which leads to hilarity. And it just works. McCarthy is her normal self, which is the perfect foil to Bullock's character. Sure, McCarthy tends to keep going with her jokes a little longer than needed but these moments are counteracted by plenty of really great, funny moments. The pair has a natural and surprisingly funny dynamic. The two are complemented by a good supporting cast including Marlon Wayans, Tony Hale, and JOEY FREAKING MCINTYRE.

The story of the Heat is not great but it gets the job done. It puts the team in plenty of fun and dangerous situations, but also slows down in the middle. Even so, the funny moments definitely stand out and keep the movie enjoyable. One thing I really appreciated about the film is that the jokes in the movie were different from those that were in the trailer. I've always been wary of watching trailers to comedy movies because I'm worried they'll ruin the funny moments. But, either by accident or on purpose, many of the jokes in the trailer were changed or altered in the movie. It's a small touch but definitely appreciated. I wasn't expecting to like the Heat as much as I did. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was laughing and how much I enjoyed the Bullock / McCarthy dynamic. 


See it.


PS - There is a stinger right after the credits start to roll.  Make sure to stay for it.




Lee:

I also enjoyed the dynamic between the leads, but the actors and characters sometimes seem better than the material given them. There are several very funny moments, but there are plenty of jokes that fall flat. McCarthy, and especially Bullock, definitely work better together than apart. Before they meet, their characters are more annoying than funny, their exaggerated personalities both making unfunny first impressions. I didn't care much for either character until nearly a quarter of the movie had passed. The buildup may be a little too slow due to the long running time, but it eventually becomes a decent buddy comedy. McCarthy's character works well because she is balanced by Bullock's opposing extreme personality, rather than being the sole crazy person in the room. Buddy cop comedies sometimes make the straight-laced one a humorless foil to their crazy partner. Here they are equally used to comedic effect, and their chemistry carries the film even when the jokes fail.

Rent it.

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