MJ5K's Review

Summary - Perfect 5.0

Pacino? De Niro? In the same scene? At last?! Whenever I bring Heat up into a conversation, I often have to refer to it as “That movie where De Niro and Pacino actually share a scene.” And all that don’t know it well nod their heads as they immediately know what I’m talking about. While De Niro and Pacino did both star in The Godfather Part II, they never shared a scene due to their different storylines. This time around, instead of playing two characters on the wrong side of the law, they both play two characters on opposite sides of the law.

Pacino plays cop Vincent Hanna. Due to his dedication to his work, his life is slowly crumbling. De Niro, on the other hand, plays career bank robber Neil McCaughley. Neil lives a life running from the law and even keeps his career a secret from his current love interest. Now what is it that connects these two? Well, the reason Vincent’s life is such a mess is because his work requires him to chase Neil and catch him. We learn more about these character’s similarities in the famous scene where the hunter and his prey stop chasing one another and have a cup of coffee.

Heat’s run time is almost three hours long. But don’t worry, the hard hitting action, thrilling suspense, compelling drama, and brilliant performances will not only keep you glued to your seat, but the screen as well. This is the one heist film that paved the way for others to follow, notably films like The Town and Inside Man.

If you’re in the mood for a great heist movie mixed with some good action, great acting, and some hard hitting drama, definitely check out Heat. It stands out in both Pacino and De Niro’s filmographies.

Acting - Really Great 4.5

Pacino and De Niro are absolutely brilliant. The whole film pretty much rides on the two of them. The rest of the cast ranges from good to just great. Supporting players like Dianne Verona, Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo, etc. all do their finest. Whereas others like Val Kilmer, Asley Judd, etc. are either just good or, well, adequate.

Film - Perfect 5.0

The direction is very gritty. The dialogue is excellent. Everything is perfect.

Edge - Sordid 3.3

Pretty violent and very profane. Not for the smaller set.

Reality - Natural 1.0

1 Comment

• Wick Nov 5, 2010 5:59PM

  Regarding MetalJunky5000’s Review
  Great review MJ. It’s been too many years since I’ve screened Heat. Your review reminds me that I’ve gotta watch it again, soon.

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