The 'good cop bad cop' concept has had a makeover and
The Heat prompts the question 'why hasn't this been done before?' Uptight, by-the-book FBI agent Sarah Ashburn (
Sandra Bullock) is paired with foul-mouthed officer Shannon Mullins (
Melissa McCarthy) to solve a drug case in Boston.
The character clash is instant and hilarious. Mullin's loud, lewd behaviour is offset by Ashburn's reserved and mildly repressed personality.
You'll also notice other famous faces, such as Marlon Wayans and Michael Rapaport, but the majority of screen time goes to the ladies. I thought this was a refreshing change and the golden pairing of Bullock and McCarthy reminds the world that, given the chance, women deliver quality comedy.
The script is well written and crammed with jokes, each of which are delivered with the precision you'd expect from such accomplished actresses.
I should also take the time to mention the kick ass soundtrack.
The Isley Brothers open the film and set the tone with such precision it reminds you that background music really can make a film something special.
However, the plot was slow moving. Perhaps they should have spent less time swearing and more time on the case. There was also a blatantly obvious continuity error at a pivotal point in the film. A crying shame as the rest of the directing was top notch.
I'm awarding
The Heat 4 stars as the comedy was nothing short of hilarious and I'm already clearing a place on my shelf for the DVD. It also gets major points for not forcing a romantic interest.