Heat

Rating:
Summary: Best cops and robbers movie ever
Review: One of my five favorite films ever, easily. This is an action movie with a difference - rather than being plot driven, it's character driven. You are made to care about every single character in this movie, and the way in which every character is woven together into the movie's three-hour long plot is remarkable. There are no real 'good guys' or 'bad guys' in this movie...everything is a shade of grey, with good and bad blended together to make you think. And the ending to this movie did something to me that no movie has ever done since I was four and saw Bambi - it made me cry. Now THAT'S a good movie.

You want every millisecond of this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I am a big fan of Michael Mann. In Manhunter, he took his Miami Vice palette and painted a psychological thriller the equal of some of Hitchcock's work, not in the same style, of course, but with the tension and nuance of the master. Here, he is stuck with phenomenal stars, Pacino and De Niro, and they don't pull off the heist, that is, they don't "steal the show" or even work well together. The result is a crime drama that has more glitz than excitement, more form than substance.

I didn't care one whit about any character in this film, except Pacino's wife, and I can't figure out why she would stick it out for ten weeks with this guy, let alone ten years.

Val Kilmer is the doomed partner of De Niro, and at least he is so [weak] that you have some grudging sympathy for him, but in the end he's just another thief who gets his due.

I can't say this is a bad film, just not a particularly good one, especially in light of the resources at Mann's disposal.

Rating:
Summary: "The bank is worth the risk."
Review: Clocking in at almost three hours, Michael Mann's "Heat" is one of the most ambitious crime dramas in recent memory. It is filled with so many characters and story arcs that its scale is overwhelming at times. Thankfully, the two central actors in the film are such strong anchors that they manage to keep you from losing your focus while watching this grand tale unfold before your eyes. The two actors are the twin living legends of cinema - Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro.

Los Angeles police detective Vincent Hanna (Pacino) is handed the job of tracking down a team of professional thieves. They are led by a clever ex-con named Neil McCauley (De Niro) who is as cool as he is calculating. McCauley lives by a strict code of conduct that demands that he be disciplined enough to walk away from anything in his life if the heat is on. When a loose end from an earlier heist interferes with his enjoying the spoils of a subsequent heist, McCauley finds out if he really can carry out this dictate. If he can, then he will be able to start a new life for himself. If he cannot, then Hanna will bring to an end his obsession with McCauley by finally catching his prey.

Most of the attention this film received was due to the presence of its two leads. Pacino and DeNiro certainly do not disappoint and their discussion in the coffee shop is certainly the highlight of the film. Yet, the performances of the supporting cast should also be noted. Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, and Ashley Judd turn in great performances and manage not to be overwhelmed by all the machismo around them. Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, and Tom Sizemore also enhance the film with the presence. Kilmer is particularly strong in his role and his relationship with Judd is the most touching of the male-female story arcs in the film.

Michael Mann once again manages to achieve the proper balance of substance and style in a feature film. "Heat" has an authentic feel and a sense of realism that elevates it above its cliché-filled brethrens. There are some issues with the film that hinder matters - the Natalie Portman arc is underdeveloped, the Waingro character should have had more of a presence, and the film's pacing drags at spots. Yet, "Heat" is still a solid film that is well worth watching. In a closing note, I'd like to recommend reading Nick James' analysis of "Heat" from the "BFI Modern Classics" book series. The book is a solid critique that will open your eyes to facets of the film not considered before.

Rating:
Summary: Cops and Robbers.....Husbands and Wives....
Review: This review refers to the Warner Bros DVD edition of "Heat"....

Michael Mann wrote and directed this action-packed thriller, with two of Hollywood's all time greatest stars playing the leads. It's alot more than just an action thriller. It's a great study of the two main characters who are the focus of this L.A. crime story. Al Pacino is the dedicated,highly driven, chief detective who is so obssessed with his job, that it has a devastating effect on his family life. He lives daily with the atrocities he sees on the streets and cannot detach himself from them at home. Robert DeNiro is also highly dedicated and driven when it comes to his work, but he is on the opposite side of the law. He is a brillant master thief, leading a crew of equally dedicated partners to some masterful heists that pay off big. He is the type though, who is detached, His theory is to never get involved with anything or anyone you can't walk away from when you have to.

On the surface the story doesn't give the impression of being all that original. A heist goes bad, a guard is killed, and the ruthless thieves must do away with all the witnesses. Enter the Homicide Squad, who are relentless in catching the criminals. But the story goes deeper than that. The personal lives of both the criminals and the detective are explored and we find that in that respect they are not much different.The entire cast are excellent in their portrayals of dealing with both their work and their problems.

Al Pacino's wife is played by Diane Venora, who feels so neglicated she begins an affair. Val Kilmer is one of the thieves(and we don't see nearly enough of him)who must deal with the restlessness of his wife, played brillantly by Ashley Judd. She must also make a decision that may change their lives forever. Deniro Meets and falls for a girl(Amy Brenneman) who may be the one who can change this seemingly heartless man. And perhaps the saddest victim and by far the youngest is Pacino's step-daughter played expertly by a young Natalie Portman,who is the portrait of the neglected child.

The cast is also nicely rounded out by Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Dennis Haysbert, and Ted Levine(remember him?..he had a little fettish for women's skin in "Silence of the Lambs")who plays a cop in this one. An excellent score gives an added dramatic feeling to the film and the camera work and sound are terrific.

It's a terrific action/drama that will keep you involved from beginning to end.It is quite long, at nearly 3 hrs, and there are moments though, when it seems like there are so many sub-plots going on, it's hard to keep track of everyone. But if you like films like "The Professional" that go just a little deeper than the regular shoot-em-up stuff, this is one you will enjoy.

The DVD transfer is superb. A crystal clear picture presented in the origianl widescreen on a dual-layer format. You'll love the Dolby Dig 5.1 Surround. Every sound is distinguishable. Don't look for any "Bonus Material" though. There are some theatrical trailers(all of "Heat") and there are subtitles in English and French.

Get the popcorn ready and enjoy.....Laurie

Rating:
Summary: HEAT IS HOT.
Review: ARE THERE ANY CHARACTERS THAT PACINO AND DENIRO CANT PLAY?
WELL MAYBE THIS WASNT A STRETCH FOR THESE TWO, BUT IT IS AN EXCELLENT ACTION FILM DIRECTED BY MODERN NOIR EXPERT MICHAEL MANN.
A GROUP OF HIGHLY TRAINED AND DISCIPLINED BANK ROBBERS, LED BY DENIRO, TAKE DOWN A ARMORED CAR. A NEW MEMBER WHO IS OBVIOUSLY NOT UP TO PAR WITH THE OTHERS KILLS A GUARD OVER STUPIDITY. THIS FORCES THE OTHERS TO FINISH OFF THE OTHER GUARDS TO ELIMINATE WITNESSES.
ENTER PACINO, THE LAPD DETECTIVE WHO EATS, DRINKS AND SLEEPS HIS WORK. PACINO REALIZES THE BAD GUYS ARE PROFESSIONALS AND ACCEPTS THE CHALLEGE OF APPREHENDING THEM WITH GLEE.
THE STAGE IS SET FOR AN INTRIGUING CHASE AND EXPLOSIVE CONFRONTATIONS.
THERE ARE INTERESTING SIDELINES WITH FELLOW CROOK VAL KILMER WHOSE MARRIAGE IS ON THE SKIDS. THIS PARRALELLS PACINOS HOMELIFE
AS WELL. DENIRO ENGAGES IN A RELATIONSHIP THAT JEPRODIZES HIS CONVICT PHILOSOPHY OF "DONT GET INVOLVED IN ANTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO WALK AWAY FROM IN FIVE MINUTES FLAT."

THERE IS A FANTASTIC DOWNTOWN SHOOTOUT THAT IS LIKE A PSYCHIC PREDICTION OF THE REAL LIFE NORTH HOLLYWOOD GUNBATTLE THAT OCURRED A YEAR OR SO AFTER THIS FILMS RELEASE.

IN THE END PACINO SQUARES OFF WITH DENIRO IN ONE OF THE MOST 'MANO A MANO' TYPE GUNFIGHTS SINCE THE 'DUKE' DAYS.

THIS IS A DARK MOODY FILM THAT RIVETS WITH ACTION, DRAMA AND REALISTIC CHARACTER PROFILES. 'HEAT' IS A HOT ROD.

Rating:
Summary: Best Crime/Action Saga EVER.........EVER!
Review: In 1989 television had a popular series of Cops and Robbers entitled L.A. TAKEDOWN which was the inspiration for Michael Mann's epic 1995 film HEAT. L.A. Cop Vincent Hanna (Pacino) traces a series of thefts and murder cases lead by mastermind Neil Macaulay (DeNiro) and his crew. The trouble is their talents are just as equal. Makes perfect sense as the acting styles portrayed by Pacino and DeNiro together and all other films in the past are also unmatched in excellence. Seeing them together on screen for the first time in many years is as electrifying as seeing them years ago whether it was THE GODFATHERS, THE UNTOUCHABLES, you name it! I've never been much of a fan of Mafia Gangster movies which I've seen Pacino and DeNiro in from the past, but this film is definitely the highlight of their careers!

What also makes the story work so well is it is realistic. Pacino is nearly estranged from his wife, a third marriage, as his duties keep him away from family matters. His wife Justine (Diane Venora) frustrated tries to resolve, but attempts are unsuccessful. As Neil Macaulay, DeNiro gives us a very different villain. He is not a Mafia Gangster in the Al Capone style. He is not a villain portrayed from Dirty Harry or Lethal Weapon films. He is simply an ordinary man with assignments to do. Unfortunately the assignments get him into trouble every step of the way. He has only two choices - withdraw or be killed - all on the duty and on one job. He later meets an attractive young library worker (Amy Brenneman), and lies to her that he's a salesman. When she later discovers his true identity, the heat is coming around the corner again. What choices does he have? Dump her or tell her the truth that he can't see her ever again. You can actually feel the intense emotions which both Pacino and DeNiro go through together. Thus HEAT provides something very different. The audience comes to terms and understands the villains of the story. As such, we find ourselves not wanting to see them killed off.

Several critics have complained of overlength, which is true as the film is a little long. The overlength is good in this case, as it better explains the events as they unfold. HEAT is a more than an action film. It's about relations, about friendship, about trust and loyalty, about treachery, about revenge, about commitments, and about reality.

Very memorable performances as well from Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, and Danny Trejo as DeNiro's henchman. With them the same situations apply. They, in a sense, are simply men on duty, when things go amiss, what choices do they have then to kill or be killed? It is demonstrated very cleverly when one of DeNiro's crew jumps the gun and kills a cop, causing the whole heist to go awry. One more problem for DeNiro to deal with - to not be snitched.

Here is a real curiosity, Tom Sizemore plays a character named Michael, and my name is Michael. Plus Tom Sizemore and I both share the same Birthday - September 29!

Unforgettable classic classic classic film....BUY IT! DVD disappointingly doesn't contain much extras though, except all the trailers. Would have loved a commentary. Still an awesome movie though. Actions films just don't get any better than this!

Rating:
Summary: A movie I can watch over and over
Review: I will never get sick of seeing this movie. I've worn out 2 VHS tapes and have plans to buy the DVD soon. Timeless. I think that says enough.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Crime Drama
Review: This movie was great. The acting of Pacino and De Niro was the best of the decade. The story was so realistic, I have watched this movie 100 times. How can that one person say it was too long? It was perfect. Pacino showed how he can be a serious actor one minute and very funny the next!!! If you have not seen this, watch it now!!!

Rating:
Summary: Heat Al Pacino and Robert De niro Face Off
Review: HEAT is one of the best films i have ever seen.A Homocide detective macthes wits with a cunning adversary.My two most favorite actors colide in this film.Detective Vincent Hannah(Pacino)is on the trail of a master theif(De Niro) and when the two meet heat sizzles.

Rating:
Summary: AWESOME MICHAEL MANN FILM
Review: This is a classic film with a great cast that demonstrates Michael Mann's keen writing and directing abilities. If you are a DeNiro or Pacino fan, you have to see it. Also for the gals out there...Val Kilmer is a total stud in this film!