Film review - Heat (1995)
Rating: 9/10
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Mykelti Williamson, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, Dennis Haysbert, William Fichtner, Natalie Portman, Tom Noonan
Directed by: Michael Mann
Review: Film review - Heat (1995) - This is the modern all star remake of L.A. Takedown which was Manns original shot at this for television. I still have an affection for the original but have to admit the re-make was worthwhile. Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and several other stars of the screen this was never likely to fail but in fact succeeds brilliantly. Almost an acting duel between Pacino and De Niro they both apply their own particular skills to the battle.
The plot follows a crew of bank robbers as they tackle various jobs. Eventually Al Pacinos policeman begins to track them down and the film builds to a great crescendo including a brutal gun battle on the streets and a western style shoot out between the two lead characters.
This is a very stylish remake by Michael Mann beautifully paced and relentless in its drive to bring the film to its conclusion. Nicely cast with several excellent performances from the lesser known Hollywood school of actors.
Michael Mann has had the rare chance of taking a good idea first developed for television and remaking it the way he wanted to originally, with stars to boot. A worthwhile exercise in this case.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_(1995_film)
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113277/
Amazon: Buy it
Trailer:
1 comment
R J Dent says:
December 28, 2010 at 2:33 pm (UTC 0)
Also stars Danny Trejo. You missed the bit out about how the ending is more than a little contrived – the professional thief discards his professionalism, and the cop who seems almost unable to empathise with his famly suddenly acts humanely towards a family member just before despatching the suddenly unprofessional thief. In other words: the wrong man died at the end of the film. For believability’s sake, Neil should not (and would not) have gone to the hotel to kill Slick. The real ending should have been either: Neil shoots and kills Vincent Hanna – The End; or: Neil simply carried on driving (without a detour) and got away. Meanwhile Vincent angrily retired after having failed to catch the crew. I still like the film very much, although Manhunter is superior.