Movie Review: The Heat

The Heat (2013): A modern twist of the classic 1970's mismatch-buddy-cop comedy movies starring Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock.

How to put my thoughts into words....well...it's no secret that comedy movies don't have spectacular plots. The rule I've adopted is this: if a movie makes me laugh, I can forgive almost everything else. This movie is a textbook example of this. The plot has so many plot holes it's like swiss cheese without the actual cheese. But damn did I have fun. This movie is absolutely hilarious, so as a result who cares how absurd the plot is! Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock have some truly special chemistry together. I hope that this is the beginning of a Simon Pegg/Nick Frost type of relationship between them. 

So I'm going to give you a quick example of the absurdness of this plot. Initially, Sandra Bullock character is working alone and has to deal with McCarthy's character to get to a witness in her investigation. But since it's dealing with something in McCarthy's neighborhood, she wants in. So, how does she do this? By stealing all of Bullock's files on the case. If this actually happened in real life, McCarthy's character would be arrested for (at the very least) obstruction of justice. But this is of course the point where they put aside their differences and join forces. But who cares, right? This movie is HILARIOUS. And I'm really proud of what it does because this movie actually derives its humor from things other than dicks and poop. Now it is vulgar thanks to Melissa McCarthy, (there is a running gag in here that Bullock can't curse) and there is some crude humor, but about 90% of it is based on the interactions of Bullock and McCarthy and what happens around them. The problem though is that this movie does not have as much memorability as the other big comedy of the year, This is the End. I had a blast on the first viewing, but I sense that this movie would lose its freshness on the second and third viewing because of its absurd plot and lack of one-liners. For that reason, I do not believe this is the best comedy of the year. (That's still This is the End for me) But it was still quite a bit of fun.

The acting was amazing. McCarthy is one of the best out there, and her performance definitely helped bring up Sandra Bullock. On a side note this was the first movie I've seen with McCarthy in it, and I am definitely going to go and see more movies with her, for sure. The writers really let McCarthy be herself here, as there is a lot of improv from her. Sadly this movie is really just those two, as none of the supporting cast is given a chance to flesh out their characters. Also while Sandra Bullock's character has a nice story arc, Melissa McCarthy doesn't change at all. This is an amazing thing, cause Melissa McCarthy don't need no stinking story arc! She's just a badass with a Mark Wahlberg's family in The Fighter type family. That's all that needs to be known about her. Oh and there's this great running gag in the movie where McCarthy's character keeps running into her one night stands. These may be some of the funniest gags in the movie. Whoever thought of this is an absolute genius.

Overall, this movie is great. I just wish it had a bit more of logical plot. Actually, you know what? No. I bet if this movie had a better plot it would not be as funny. So enjoy yourself. Good luck with repeat viewings though.

The Critique: A fun, hilarious buddy cop movie. Week plot, but this movie doesn't need one.

The Recommendation: I feel safe recommending this movie to anyone over the age of 13. A great way to spend 112 minutes.

The Verdict: 7.5/10 Really Good