HUB Movie Review: The Heat

Story posted September 26, 2013 in CommRadio by Sofia Westin

It’s our favorite white chicks! I don’t mean Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans who were in the movie “White Chicks” in 2004 (though Marlon is in this movie), but namely Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy!

Sandra is back into comedy after her hiatus from it since 2009, and winning an Oscar during it for her performance in “The Blind Side.” Melissa is going strong with her comedy since she broke out in “Bridesmaids”and “Mike & Molly.”

These two come together for a powerhouse enforcement duo, centering on the anal and highly selfish, by-the-book FBI agent Ashburn (Bullock), who is forced to work with Mullins (McCarthy). Mullins is the exact opposite of Ashburn: foul-mouthed, rash, and dressed like a criminal (according to Ashburn). Of course, they have to work together to bring down the bad guy, a “ruthless” drug lord in Boston. 

Funnily enough (this is a comedy, after all) Bullock plays the kind of cop her character, Gracie Hart, in “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous,” had to work with, played by Regina King.

At first glance, it may look quite amusing. Two queens of comedy; written by a “Parks and Recreation” writer; and directed by the “Bridesmaids” director. But don’t be fooled!

The thing about movies such as this, is the ending usually sucks. Sure, the situation where people are hurt or insult each other, it’s all a fun time. But, when it is time to wrap it up, the conflict is solved and everybody makes up and the characters say something “reflective and smart about society and friendship”…the movie falls short. How does that leave the audience satisfied? The ending is what you remember most; the last thing you see before the blinding lights come on and you leave.

“Couple’s Retreat” does it, “Four Christmases” does it, “Just Go with it,” “This Means War,” “Liar Liar,” “Bounty Hunter,” “The Proposal,” “Bridesmaids.”

If you were to ask someone what they thought of one these movies, they would say “It’s hilarious!” Do they ever mention the ending? Nope. They describe what happens during the movie.

Based on that, I believe “The Heat” will be much of the same. You’ll be entertained until the end. But hey, I could be jumping the gun on this (since I haven’t actually seen it, this is mostly based on reviews and the trailer).

If you love the actresses, go for it. If you like these kinds of movies just for entertainment…go!

On the Penn State scale, I’d give it 3 out of 5, aka, a canceled 8 a.m. class. Just like the comedy of this movie, the joy of the canceled class only lasts for so long.

Sofia Westin is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email sgw5090@psu.edu.