Red Heat Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Russian Terminator goes to Chicago and teams up with John Belushi’s ghost to stop a Georgian drug lord, but mostly they just break stuff.

🍿 Red Heat: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Moscow Bust

In Moscow, Captain Ivan Danko of the Soviet Militsiya sets a trap to capture Viktor Rostavili, a Georgian drug kingpin. The ambush goes wrong, resulting in the death of Danko’s partner and Rostavili’s escape to the United States.

Chicago Arrival

Rostavili arrives in Chicago and starts setting up a drug operation. He is soon arrested for a minor traffic violation. Danko is sent to Chicago to extradite Rostavili back to the Soviet Union. He is assigned Sergeant Art Ridzik as his temporary partner.

Escape and Partnership

During the extradition, Rostavili’s allies, the ‘Cleanheads,’ ambush Danko and Ridzik, freeing Rostavili and killing Ridzik’s partner. Now both having lost partners to Rostavili, Danko and Ridzik form an uneasy alliance to bring him to justice.

Pursuit in Chicago

Danko and Ridzik navigate the streets of Chicago, using their contrasting styles to track Rostavili. Danko’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach clashes with Ridzik’s more improvisational methods, leading to both humorous and dangerous situations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ivan Danko (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A stoic and relentless Russian police captain who travels to Chicago to extradite a dangerous drug kingpin.
• Art Ridzik (Jim Belushi): A wisecracking and unorthodox Chicago police detective who is partnered with Danko.
• Viktor Rostavili (Ed O’Ross): A ruthless Georgian drug kingpin who escapes to Chicago after killing Danko’s partner.
• Lou Donnelly (Peter Boyle): The cynical Chicago police commander overseeing Ridzik and Danko’s case.
• Lt. Stobbs (Laurence Fishburne): A skeptical Chicago police lieutenant who is wary of Ridzik’s methods.
• Cat Manzetti (Gina Gershon): Viktor’s American wife, who is also a part-time aerobics instructor and full-time hooker.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Art Ridzik: ““Do you know what this is called? Chicken, except you’re not supposed to play it with buses.”” – Said during the climactic bus chase scene, highlighting the absurdity and danger of the situation.
• Ivan Danko: ““This Chicago is very strange city. Your crime is organized, but your police is not.”” – Danko’s observation on the efficiency of the criminal underworld compared to the Chicago PD.
• Art Ridzik: ““Name?”” – After Danko punches a carjacker after they ask for his name.
• Ivan Danko: ““Danko.”” – After Ridzik says name and then Danko says his name after the carjacker is unconscious.
• Art Ridzik: ““You’re welcome!”” – After Danko gives his name, Ridzik sarcastically welcomes him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $29,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $34,994,648
• Worldwide Gross: $34,994,648

💥 Red Heat Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw Red Heat as a kid and it blew my mind. The contrast between Schwarzenegger’s intense Russian cop and Belushi’s loose-cannon detective was hilarious. The bus chase scene is legendary! I remember mimicking Danko’s deadpan delivery for weeks, and the ending where they swap watches gets me every time. This movie is pure 80s action gold; cheesy, over-the-top, and totally awesome.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger”
  • “Fans of buddy cop movies”
  • “Viewers interested in 80s action films”
  • “Those who enjoy action comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Chicago Sun-Times: “Red Heat transcends the buddy-cop formula with its unique cultural clash and Schwarzenegger’s surprisingly effective portrayal of a stoic Russian officer. Belushi provides the comic relief, but it’s the film’s gritty realism and well-staged action sequences that truly impress.
• Variety: “Walter Hill’s direction elevates ‘Red Heat’ above typical action fare. The blend of Russian and American cultures, coupled with strong performances from Schwarzenegger and Belushi, creates an engaging and entertaining cinematic experience. The action is well-executed.
• The New York Times: “While the film delivers on the action front, it falls short in developing meaningful characters or a compelling narrative. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of a stone-faced cop is one-dimensional, and the humor feels forced at times. It is fun movie to watch, but lacks depth.

Audience Reactions

The contrast of Schwarzenegger’s stoic Russian cop and Belushi’s wisecracking American detective is what everyone loves.: Fans generally agree that the buddy-cop dynamic and action sequences are very memorable.

Viewers praise the film’s balance of action and comedic elements.: Most audiences appreciate the well-choreographed action scenes combined with Belushi’s humor.

Overall Consensus: A fun but formulaic action-comedy that benefits from the chemistry between Schwarzenegger and Belushi, delivering entertaining action sequences and memorable one-liners.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Arnold Schwarzenegger spent three months learning to speak Russian for the role of Ivan Danko.”
• “The production team was initially denied permission to film in Red Square, Moscow. They managed to film some scenes there discreetly by sneaking Schwarzenegger in.”
• “The film is dedicated to stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins, who tragically died on set during a stunt in Vienna.”

🖥️ How to Watch Red Heat?

Red Heat is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability or purchase options on physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Red Heat, you might like these similar films:

• 48 Hrs. (1982): Also directed by Walter Hill, it established the buddy cop formula with a mismatched pair forced to work together.
• Lethal Weapon (1987): Another iconic buddy cop film from the 80s, known for its action and contrasting character dynamics.
• Tango & Cash (1989): Similar 80s action-comedy with two rival cops forced to team up, offering comparable over-the-top action.
• Rush Hour (1998): Modern buddy cop film with an East-meets-West pairing, emphasizing action and comedic cultural clashes.
• The Warriors (1979): Walter Hill directed cult classic with memorable visuals and intense street action.

🛒 Red Heat Related Products

• Red Heat (Limited Edition Blu-ray): High-definition restoration of the film with exclusive bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. Includes collectible packaging.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger: An Illustrated Story of the World’s Greatest Bodybuilder: Chronicles Schwarzenegger’s remarkable journey, from bodybuilding champion to Hollywood icon, featuring rare photos and insights into his career.
• 80s Action Movie Poster Set (Red Heat Included): Set of high-quality posters featuring iconic imagery from classic 80s action films, including ‘Red Heat.’ Perfect for decorating a home theater or fan cave.
• Chicago Police Department T-Shirt: Authentic-looking CPD t-shirt, inspired by Jim Belushi’s character, Art Ridzik. Features the official CPD logo and design.

🎧 Soundtrack

Red Heat features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by James Horner
• “Durzhba Cafe” – performed by James Horner
• “Bus Depot” – performed by James Horner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cocainum!

Remember that hilarious ‘Cocainum!’ line from Red Heat? This short clip is a must-watch if you want a quick dose of Arnold’s comedic genius! It’s probably the most memorable moment from the entire movie!

RED HEAT: How Arnold Schwarzenegger Got Special Permission to Film in Red Square… – #shorts

Did you know that Red Heat was one of the first American films to get permission to film in Red Square? This video dives into how they pulled it off – it’s actually pretty fascinating, you won’t believe what they had to do!

Russian Reacts to Hollywood Movie Russians

Ever wondered what Russians *really* think about how they’re portrayed in Hollywood movies like Red Heat? This reaction video is hilarious and insightful – some of his points are spot on!

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Belushi | Making of RED HEAT

Want to go behind the scenes of Red Heat with Arnold and Jim? This video gives the viewer a closer look at how this buddy cop movie was made. The making of, from these guys’ perspective, is pretty interesting!

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