Simon Mitchell-Yellin

Choosing a favorite movie has always been difficult for me. I like different films for different reasons and choosing a single favorite seems to undermine what makes movies unique. However, Heat what comes to mine when I’m asked to name my favorite movie. Pros: First and foremost, Al Pacino. In my mind, he is Vincent Hanna. I cannot separate him from the loud, in your face, committed performance he delivers in Heat. (Besides Jimmy Hoffa and Sonny Wortcik in the Irishman and Dog Day Afternoon, this is by far the best I have ever seen Pacino act.) Although not quite on par with Pacino, Robert DeNiro also delivers an amazing performance especially when juxtaposed with Pacino. Heat is paced slowly, but that aids it’s epicness. By the time all three hours have ended, we’ve seen men change, men die, and so many relationships grow and fall. I could go on an on about what makes heat amazing, the cinematography the acting, the sound and the story. (By the way, Heat delivers several near perfect scenes like the bank robbery shoot out and cafe conversation) Cons: Not gonna lie, very few cons come to mind. Heat is long, but the length is essential to tell the story. Overall: Heat is an amazing film with some of the best performances I’ve ever seen. The story is sweeping and epic. It’s full of minute details and so many characters that create a realistic challenging narrative that boils down to a simple premise: two single minded men on the mission to succeed and stop the other. At all cost. When Heat ends, you’ll want to take a moment just to sit and think about what you’ve just watched. Now stop reading my review and watch the movie!

Really, a middle of the road forgettable watch. Burn after reading has a stellar cast but seems to go nowhere. It wasn’t garbage but it also wasn’t the best way i goodbye spent 2 hours of my day. Watch if you want but maybe choose something different.