The Heat...Is it a Summer Scorcher? ~ Cinema Review

Today I was lucky enough to see a free early screening of +The Heat through Show Film First (Nine days before release!). Starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy  the film revolves around the uptight, anti social arrogant, FBI agent's hunt for a elusive drug lord. Sandra Bullock meets the uncouth, opinionated, plain spoken Melissa McCarthy, and then the fire-works and laughs are meant to begin. 

Originally due to be released for April, the decision was made to delay for a big budget Summer slot, to suitably milk the profits. The initial trailer does a great job of touting the 'girl power' jokes; blatantly designed to be a feel good chick flick. This film has likened it to Miss Congeniality, and the FBI/ Police characters lend credence to this. Could they not have gone for DEA or even the Coastguard this time, or does Sandra Bullock just have a love fetish for her FBI uniform? From the same director as Bridesmaids (Paul Feig) you might expect a certain level of humour, but the similarities appear to be rather subtle. 

As a Rom-com the film lacks more than the token hint of inadequate men, the man McCarthy passionately kisses in the bar is actually her husband Ben Falcone. The closest Bullock gets to romance is +Marlone Wayans, star of the +Scary Movie series. As a comedy the memorable puns belong largely to McCarthy, with Bullocks character being stuck in a formal prim role. The biggest laughs involve a night of drunken bonding, in fact the actresses seem most relaxed and believable in the alcohol related scenes. 

The relationship between the two actress shows clearly on screen, they have a genuine dynamic and warmth. I find it quite rare to see, especially with actress's (not sexist, just my honest opinion!), an equality between major personalities. The opinion has also been voiced that Bullock is struggling to find suitable roles as she ages whilst McCarthy is destined to be stereotyped in a larger female comedy role. Hence the ugly view that this is the best they can get. This I wholeheartedly refute; both are strong, quality actresses. If age and size effect roles, I pity +Helen Mirren, +Judi Dench, Kathy Bates, +Queen Latifah and +Roseanne Barr  (The list goes on and on!).

The poster and advertising for the film was different for the UK and the US. With American being treated to a simplistic bold red and black screen, and Britain getting a full colour version. It leaves me unsure whether it was merely for impact or audience preference, either way surely it would have been easier to have the same image across the board. Perhaps this is as a graphic designers fight over the final advertising and the debate was simply settled by two different  images. A more fun excuse than anything else.

The hype and internet chatter surrounding the movie was largely based around an unfortunate photo-shopping incident. I guess everyone who's heard of the film is well aware of Melissa McCarthy's dramatic airbrushing in the advertising. As the images show, the end result is almost stylised and completely unrealistic. Which obviously led to another size debate amongst the politically correct parade. I see the whole thing quite differently; McCarthy has said in many interviews that she is perfectly happy with her shape, but the advertising and posters would have to have been accepted by her and her agent. This was a little to over the top to be anything but a publicity stunt, and such certainly succeeded in raising awareness of the film. Kudos to the advertising team for creating such an event out of nothing to gain free word-of-mouth advertising.

The genius addition of rising star McCarthy, to Bullock's almost standard role, doesn't give enough to lift this film above average and I felt that the film failed to deliver. As a Summer Blockbuster the film was appallingly lame. The story line was stale, the comedy revolves largely around swearing and weak feminist tripe. The cinema was full of cackling females enjoying the on screen emasculation of their better halves, but I struggled to enjoy or even care about the humour. This could be the run away hit for this Summer, but I pity those that believe it was laugh a minute. (Especially the shameful fool quoted as ' Peeing her pants with laughter', honestly where is your pride!). No wonder its stereotypical to believe woman are weak minded and easily amused if this mediocre viewing is so appealing, when it could have been so much better!

Speaking of cinemas, this was viewed at Vue cinema in Hamilton (Screen 7, for those interested). The showing was early enough to have a couple of spaces in the tiny car park so the evening started on a more positive note than previous occasions. We were first in and we had our choice of seats, including a couple of rows of 'squishy' VIP seats, so where did the Controller decide to park us? Well the prolonged complaint of insensitive fellow viewers being unaware of correct seating etiquette, led us to the front row. Front row on the left and for someone who's always chose the right close to the back, I found this a little strange (Try being player 2 on split screen for years then switching to player 1!). 

The seats were surprisingly comfortable, which could either be a recent re-padding or lack of use. The viewing angle was a different matter, I don't understand how people could willing suffer sitting so close to something. The neck strain of trying to see the whole screen at once, whilst your eyes dry out painfully because of the proximity to the glowing screen. Needless to say that's an experience that the Controller will be suffering himself next time. Inconsiderate fellow viewers or not, I'll stick to sitting at a decent angle, by myself if needs be!