Heat > Reviews

Advantages: Great Performances, Engrossing Style & Story
Disadvantages: None

...was the initial buzz. But Heat is much more than that. It's a fantastic character study of two men effectively just doing their jobs and sticking to a code. Mann's script crackles with some pulsating dialogue of which the Coffee Shop scene is king. But aside from that Mann shows the smart side of crime. A large part of the film shows the planning of a bank score and it's fascinating stuff. Aside from Pacino and De Niro, there is a strong supporting ... Read review

Advantages: Intelligent and stylish action romp
Disadvantages: None

...and intense action scenes makes Heat unmissable. Based on Michael Mann's 80's TV film 'LA Takedown', Heat is a true rarity, it combines a crime thriller with equal measures of action and drama. At nearly three hours long, Heat is not a film for impatient viewers, instead it qualifies as an epic. Written and directed by Michael Mann (Miami Vice, The Last Of The Mohicans, Manhunter, The Insider) Heat is more than a 'Los Angeles Crime Saga' it's an ... Read review

Advantages: Direction, Performances, the action
Disadvantages: pace not too steady, but still good fun, bit long

Heat sees Robert De Niro and Al Pacino square off, making this movie sizzle with great excitement. Written and directed by Michael Man ("The Insider", "Ali") this film goes into the realms of a modern masterpiece. Heat is based on a simple concept of cops and robbers. Robert De Niro plays the master thief with a motly crew in the form of Val Kilmer ("Red Planet"), Tom Sizemore ("Saving Private Ryan") and Denis Haysbert ("24 television series"). Al ... Read review

Advantages: Fine cast, Action Scenes, Directed by Michael Mann
Disadvantages: No DVD extras

...At nearly three hours long, Heat is not a film for impatient viewers, instead it qualifies as an epic. Written and directed by Michael Mann (Miami Vice, The Last Of The Mohicans, Manhunter, The Insider) Heat is more than a 'Los Angeles Crime Saga' it's an epic masterpiece and probably the greatest film of the 90's. Heat is an intelligent character driven crime drama, which pits an obsessed homicide detective against an elusive criminal. These main ... Read review

Advantages: Pacino and DeNiro (if you like them)
Disadvantages: Pacino and DeNiro (if you don't like them)

There was a real buzz about this film when it was released because for the first time, two of the biggest names in Hollywood were finally sharing the screen. In a heist movie with lots of gun battles and car chases. And Val Kilmer. I have a feeling that this review isn't going to make me very popular. I know that Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino are widely regarded as two of the greatest actors of their generation, but I have to say that I strongly ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent Film
Disadvantages: No Special Features

The Film Heat is the newer and much better version of a little unknown called LA Takedown. Its basic plot is of a cops and robbers theme but don't let this put you off as the quality of acting is unsurpassed in this genre film. The film is huge, not only in terms of size, weighing in at a mighty two and a half hours but also in terms of the heavy weight actors used. From the mighty Robert DeNiro to Al Pacino playing the lead characters with support ... Read review

Advantages: Great plot and acting
Disadvantages: A bit violent and on for 3 hours...

Firstly I'd like to say that this film is my favourite ever. The plot is so tense and realistic, you feel for the characters throughout the entire film and especially the ending fight. I bought this film about three months ago (july 2000)after watching it with a friend a few weeks ago. I saw it for an excellent £5, and thought that there was no better way to send a well earned fiver. The thing that stands out most in the film is the superb acting ... Read review

Advantages: great acting and action
Disadvantages: lengthy at times........

Brilliant! - excellent dialogue between Robert De niro and the amazing Al Pacino. The acting is superb and I was kept on the age of my seat throughout the whole film. There are some interesting ironies also within the film so while being an action drama, this film will also appeal to the intelligent. The line - up is great with the legendary Jon Voight and Val Kilmer supporting Pacino and Deiro. I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys watching ... Read review

Advantages:
Disadvantages:

H E A T is one of the greatest movies ever made. You put two excellent actors together to face off in a movie with well direction from a very good director, and you get this movie. I swear that the three hours go by so quick ever time you watch it. Quoting from my good friend, Jerry, "This movie cannot be explained as one genre. It has everything in it. Action, drama, suspense, romance, comedy, you name it." What he means really is that this movie ... Read review

Advantages: de niro and pacino!, dialogue, street shoot out, supporting cast, intelligence
Disadvantages: literally: none.

This lengthy cops n' robbers thriller could not fail, one would think, considering it paired off two of the biggest legends in cinema. Michael Mann's ambitions, however, went way beyond the inevitable pairing of Pacino and De Niro in a movie to create an absolute masterpiece of contemporary film drama; that is perfectly paced, and incisively acted. Heat is not just a remarkably powerful and invigorating experience, but one of the greatest films of ... Read review

Advantages: Great performances, Fast action, Longer than it feels
Disadvantages: Kilmer's wig

along with Collateral, Heat is one of director Michael Mann's LA love stories. the city itself is as much a character in the film as De Niro or Pacino, beautifully photographed (entirely shot on location) and exploited for some magnificent imagery. plotwise, the film focusses on a team of high-tech thieves (led by De Niro), pursued by over-zealous policemen (led by Pacino). from the off, it is clear that a showdown will occur at some point, this being ... Read review

Advantages: Technically brilliant
Disadvantages: The bad guys lose again!

This 1995 action epic was directed by Michael Mann and is studded with mega stars, including Al and Bob together for the first time. Starring: Al Pacino - Vincent Hanna Robert De Niro - Neil McCauley Val Kilmer - Chris Shiherlis Jon Voight - Nate Tom Sizemore - Michael Cheritto Diane Venora - Justine Hanna Amy Brenneman - Eady Ashley Judd - Charlene Shiherlis Neil McCauley is a very professional thief, and Vincent Hanna is an extremely ... Read review