The Heat (2013)

"I was married for six years."
"Was he a man of hearing?"

Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) is a successful FBI Agent, with a high closing rate.  But none of the other agents like her.  She is sent to Boston to find a drug kingpin that one can identify.  Arriving in Boston, she learns that Rojas (Reasons), the low level dealer she needs to question, is in custody of the Boston PD.  He was arrested by Boston cop Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy), who is territorial with her arrests.

The two instantly clash, but are forced to work together to bring the dealer to justice: Ashburn has the knowledge of the case and the FBI resources, while Mullins has the street smarts and local contacts.  The case hits close to home when the drug dealers force Mullins newly paroled brother, Jason (Rapaport) to get involved.  And to question him, they need to visit Mullins family, despite the animosity between Mullins and her family, who can't forgive her for arresting Jason.  Their investigation is aided by the head of the Boston FBI, Levy (Wayans), with input from their respective bosses: FBI Director Hale (Bichir) and Boston PD Captain Woods (Wilson).  Can they put aside their differences to save the day, or will their tactics get them placed on probation?

Two of the biggest female names in comedy: Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.  Bullock is a popular rom-com star.  Yes, she has made a few serious films... but she is known for her comedy, specifically her physical comedy (The Proposal, Miss Congeniality, etc.).  McCarthy is a TV star (Gilmore Girls and Mike and Molly) and the breakout star of 2011's comedy hit Bridesmaids.  Their combined star power is a major draw for the film and they do not disappoint.

Paul Feig also directed Bridesmaids, and decided to stick with what works.  It is a raunchy film with strong female leads.  It is funny, but the language was a bit much (mostly coming from McCarthy)... they could cut out about half of the language and still have an entertaining film.

The film is well-written, and gives the leads strong material that fits nicely in their respective wheel-houses, with plenty of physical comedy.  The plot is solid, but not overly memorable, with the film focusing more on the relationship between the leads.  They have a solid supporting cast, particularly the Mullins family.  They work well together and combined with McCarthy, and get some great lines (watch the scene where they interrogate Ashburn OR when they pack everyone into a van).  Other well-known comedians have small but memorable roles that elevate the film.

A funny buddy-cop film, that follows all the characteristics of the genre, while still throwing some surprises at you.

The Heat (2013) 117 minutes
Rated: R for pervasive language, strong crude content and some violence
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Sandra Bullock as Sarah Ashburn
Melissa McCarthy as Shannon Mullins
Demian Bichir as Hale
Marlon Wayans as Levy
Tom Wilson as Captain Woods
Dan Bakkendahl as Craig
Taran Killam as Adam
Michael McDonald as Julian
Michael Rapaport as Jason Mullins
Spoken Reasons as Rojas