The Heat

This scruffy, snarky, slapstick cop comedy puts a woman's touch on the macho buddy-action genre. Arrogant, ambitious Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) is a hard-driving, by-the-book New York City-based FBI agent whose investigation of a murder takes her to Boston, where she butts heads with boisterous, brusque, Beantown detective Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy), who is also working on the case. Neither has ever had a partner, and both repeatedly misunderstand one another. Still, they bond—of course—while relentlessly pursuing a dastardly drug kingpin, ultimately recognizing each other's strengths and becoming friends while busily kicking ass. Full of sneering, cringe-worthy sexist comments and raunchy, profane dialogue, crowd-pleasing director Paul Feig's (Bridesmaids) latest plays with the genre's simplistic, stereotypical, supportive camaraderie, balancing outrageous improv with tender, serious moments, buoyed by the obvious chemistry between two gutsy professional law enforcement agents who have chosen career over family and kids. But while there's some fun to be had with the clichéd, odd-couple bantering, the pacing is unfortunately off at times, and there are far too many albino gags. Marlon Wayans, Demian Bichir, Jane Curtin, and Michael Rapaport—among others—offer solid backup support in this box-office hit that has already spawned plans for a sequel. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include an audio commentary by director Paul Feig, the outtakes segment “Let's Get Physical” (7 min.), and “Acting Master Class” behind-the-scenes footage (9 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a brief introduction by Feig, four additional commentary tracks (with Feig, costar Melissa McCarthy, and others; the “Mullins Family” in character; the original Mystery Science Theater 3000 cast; and with the audience at the premiere of the film), a “making-of” featurette (20 min.), bloopers (16 min.), extended scenes (15 min.), deleted scenes (10 min.), “Mullins Family Fun” outtakes (10 min.), additional outtakes segments “Supporting Cast Cavalcade” (8 min.) and “Police Brutality” (7 min.), alternate scenes (4 min.), an “Over and Out” brief clip with Feig, trailers, and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a whopping extras package for an uneven comedy.] (S. Granger)