The Heat

*****
Release Date: July 31st 2013

An uptight FBI Special Agent is paired with a foul-mouthed Boston cop to take down a ruthless drug lord.

Director: Paul Feig (Bridesmaids)

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport

This need to be started off by saying what a fantastic film!

Sandra Bullock is Special Agent Ashburn, a cocky, very unlikeable, plays by rules FBI agent from New York. Melissa McCarthy is Detective Mullins, a loudmouth, crazy, don't mess with street cop from Boston. Opposites attract and their chemistry flourishes as the film develops.

Ashburn is sent to Boston to track down an infamous drug lord named Larkin. Whilst pissing off the permanently pissed off cop (Mullins) in Boston, she is forced to work with her, much to the dislike of both.

It's hard to give this anything less than 5 stars. The Heat is lewd and crude but constantly hilarious. Although we've seen similar partnerships before with the likes of 21 Jump Street, the Rush Hour films and Lethal Weapon, The Heat has this kick-ass duo keeping the audience entertained.

Melissa McCarthy outshines Sandra Bullock in comedic prowess during the opening scenes. It's clear within the first few minutes that the other law enforcers surrounding Ashburn aren't keen. She suffers with egotistical arrogance and subconsciously believes she is better than everyone else. This tones down when she's builds up a relationship with Mullins, and eventually allows her to shine too.

Mullins, on the other hand, keeps it up throughout.  The two individually are difficult working with others (at least this is the impression), but this helps bring in the laughs. There's an incredible montage of Ashburn and Mullins bonding over a drink (or two) and the intoxicated antics they get up to.

It's nice to see a film in Hollywood that's not really heavily on technology. CGI is minimal, almost non-existent. The Heat relies on the grit, the way the cast gel, and cliches that never get old (Mullins' Boston family... loud but proud and includes a small but welcoming part from Michael Rapaport as Mullins' brother). Even Marlon Wayans takes a break from being ludicrous (think White Chicks and Scary Movie).

The only slight to The Heat is its plot. It's a little on the thin side, but greatly helped by the improv and satire that envelops it.

Overview: Topping the success of Bridesmaids is no easy feat, but it's easily done with the help from Bullock and McCarthy. Expect greater things from McCarthy.