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Bullock and McCarthy drive The Heat
Movie Reviews
By Lynne Martin
THE HEAT (2013) starring Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, and Demian Bichir is a rare commodity in the world of big budget movies – a genuine action film with a female-led cast. Not to worry though, there is still sufficient profanity, violence, and sexual innuendo to make us feel like we’re watching the usual testosterone-fuelled summer hit.
When opposites are temporarily forced to work together on a drug case, FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn and Boston Police Officer Shannon Mullins prove to be as compatible as oil and water. With more than just differing policing styles, they find themselves struggling to even communicate as their opposing upbringings, education, and family values present gigantic roadblocks in their temporary partnership.
This buddy-movie movie immediately feels like a reprisal of past successes for both actresses. Bullock drawing on her memorable transformation in MISS CONGENIALITY, while McCarthy of course channels her crass and vulgar character from BRIDESMAIDS. Playing well off each other, both women once again prove that they have viable comedic instincts and THE HEAT wouldn’t be near as funny without their dual talents.
Bullock and McCarthy are both well suited to physical comedy, neither afraid of looking bad for the camera. More concerned with reaching the laugh instead of presenting their best sides, this pair has repeatedly demonstrated that they’re willing to do anything to make the joke. Coupled with their talent, this ability will easily ensure a continuation of their successful careers.
Directed by Paul Feig, well known for his work on BRIDESMAIDS, THE HEAT is a good date movie for couples not interested in sitting through another rom/com. Rated Pg-13, 117 mins, Action, Comedy, Crime. *** 3 stars out of 5.
White House Down has impressive action
The second White-House-under-attack movie to hit the big screen since March of this year, WHITE HOUSE DOWN (2013) starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, and Maggie Gyllenhaal is definitely an action packed ride that will keep you entertained with a surprising assortment of likeable characters.
During a tour of the White House with his precocious young daughter in tow, a Capitol policeman is caught in the crossfire when a group of well-trained and extremely organized paramilitary terrorists siege the oval office through a series of violent assaults and tactical explosions.
Coming in at over two hours and 10 minutes long, this movie tends to play out with what feels like a multitude of mini climaxes resulting in repeated bouts of explosive action. The personal chemistry between Tatum and Foxx is commendable, and if not for the bursts of humorous dialogue throughout the movie, WHITE HOUSE DOWN might have been weighed down by all the heavy artillery and double-digit body counts.
Unbelievably, this is the eighth time I have reviewed a Channing Tatum film in the last 18 months. Not sure if he’s bucking for recognition as the ‘hardest working man in show business’ or not – but I’ve come to realize that his comedic skills are greatly under-utilized and I hope to see Tatum step out of the action genre and move back into dramatic /comedies.
Directed by Roland Emmerich, who we all loved from the thriller INDEPENDENCE DAY and written by James Vanderbilt of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, you had to know there was going to be impressive action in WHITE HOUSE DOWN. Enjoyable summer entertainment even if the ending is a little bit corny. Rated PG-13, 131 mins, Action, Drama, Thriller. *** 3 stars out of 5.
– Lynne Martin is an avid movie collector and a staunch supporter of sexual education. She currently resides in Alberta, Canada with her husband and their large extended family. For a complete list of her reviews and other works, or to leave a comment, please go to: www.lynnemartinbooks.com.
