🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Paul Feig
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 57min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (254k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two cops, one uptight and the other a walking swear word, team up to take down a drug lord, mostly by yelling and awkwardly stabbing each other in the leg.
🍿 The Heat: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction: Ashburn and Mullins
Sarah Ashburn, a highly skilled but unlikeable FBI Special Agent, is sent to Boston to investigate a drug kingpin named Larkin. She is partnered with Shannon Mullins, a foul-mouthed and rebellious Boston police officer, known for her unorthodox methods and street smarts. Their personalities immediately clash, setting the stage for a tumultuous partnership.

Investigating Larkin
Ashburn and Mullins begrudgingly begin to work together, following leads and interrogating suspects. Their contrasting styles create both humorous and effective moments as they navigate the criminal underworld of Boston. They track down a nightclub owner with connections to Larkin, bugging his phone to gather intelligence. Their investigation also leads them to DEA agents also on the case, further complicating matters.

Mullins’ Family and Jason
The investigation becomes personal when Ashburn discovers that Mullins’ brother, Jason, recently released from prison after Mullins put him there, may be connected to Larkin’s organization. This forces Mullins to confront her estranged family, revealing deep-seated resentments and a complicated past. Jason provides a tip about a drug dealer’s body, leading them to a paint factory where they witness a murder by Larkin’s associate.

Escalation and Setbacks
After a night of heavy drinking and bonding, Ashburn and Mullins face several setbacks. Ashburn’s car is bombed, and Julian, a key suspect, escapes custody. Mullins’ family is threatened, leading to a tense situation. Jason provides a tip about a drug shipment, but it turns out to be a setup orchestrated by Larkin, putting Jason in danger and leaving him in a coma.

Confronting Larkin
Determined to bring Larkin to justice, Ashburn and Mullins learn of a warehouse where he operates. They infiltrate the warehouse, engaging in a shootout with Larkin’s men. However, they are eventually captured and bound by Julian, who prepares to torture them. This sets the stage for the final confrontation with Larkin and the revelation of a shocking betrayal.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock): An ambitious, by-the-book FBI agent who is sent to Boston to take down a drug lord and must learn to work with others.
- Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy): A foul-mouthed, street-smart Boston cop who clashes with Ashburn but proves to be a valuable partner.
- Adam / Larkin (Taran Killam): An undercover drug kingpin posing as a DEA agent, seeking to maintain control of his criminal empire.
- Jason Mullins (Michael Rapaport): Mullins’ brother, a former criminal who gets caught between his sister and Larkin’s organization.
- Hale (Demián Bichir): Ashburn’s FBI boss who sends her to Boston hoping she will learn to work as part of a team.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Mullins: “My fear is that I’m gonna put you in a bikini and you’ll still look like a fucking bank teller.” – Mullins bluntly assesses Ashburn’s appearance, highlighting their contrasting personalities.
- Ashburn: “You know what I am? I’m the best friend you’re ever gonna have.” – Ashburn makes a surprising declaration, acknowledging the bond that has formed between her and Mullins.
- Mullins: “You’re like a human question mark.” – Mullins sarcastically describes Ashburn’s uptight and inquisitive nature.
- Mullins: “I’m gonna need you to stop talking, alright? ‘Cause every time you open your mouth, a dumb person comes out.” – Mullins shuts down someone with a barrage of insults.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $43,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $159,582,188
- Worldwide Gross: $229,930,771
💥 The Heat Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘The Heat’! The dynamic between Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy was pure comedic gold. I was laughing out loud from beginning to end. The scene where they’re trying to interrogate the guy using the phone book was hilarious, and the bar scene where they bond over drinks was just perfect. It’s a movie I can watch over and over again!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of buddy cop comedies”
- “Viewers who enjoy R-rated humor”
- “Fans of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy”
- “Those looking for action-comedy with strong female leads”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Crude humor”
- “Violence”
- “Suggestive content”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While the plot is familiar buddy-cop fare, Bullock and McCarthy’s chemistry and comedic timing make ‘The Heat’ a consistently funny and entertaining summer movie.
- Entertainment Weekly: “‘The Heat’ isn’t groundbreaking, but it delivers solid laughs thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Bullock and McCarthy. Their contrasting styles create a hilarious dynamic that carries the predictable plot.
- Rolling Stone: “Bullock and McCarthy are a terrific team in this rowdy, raunchy comedy. ‘The Heat’ offers up plenty of laughs and delivers a satisfying dose of action, even if the story treads familiar ground.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Bullock and McCarthy is amazing!: Viewers consistently praise the hilarious and natural chemistry between the two lead actresses.
Mellisa McCarthy’s improv is fantastic!: Many viewers highlighted Melissa McCarthy’s comedic timing and improvisational skills as major highlights.
Overall Consensus: A funny and entertaining buddy-cop comedy carried by the excellent chemistry and performances of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “During filming in Boston, the cast and crew embraced the local culture, often dining at neighborhood restaurants and engaging with residents.”
- “Melissa McCarthy improvised many of her lines, adding to the film’s comedic spontaneity. Paul Feig encouraged this, allowing her to explore her character freely.”
- “Sandra Bullock’s yearbook photo was digitally manipulated to include glasses and braces, but it’s actually her real high school senior portrait.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Heat?
The Heat is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. While not always available for streaming on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu, keep an eye out as these options can change.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Heat, you might like these similar films:
- Rush Hour (1998): Classic buddy cop formula with contrasting personalities and action-comedy elements.
- Miss Congeniality (2000): Features Sandra Bullock as a fish-out-of-water character undergoing a transformation, with comedic elements.
- Lethal Weapon (1987): Classic buddy cop dynamic between two partners with different approaches to law enforcement.
- Spy (2015): Another Paul Feig film starring Melissa McCarthy, this time in a spy setting with similar comedic beats.
- Super Troopers (2001): Cult classic comedy with eccentric law enforcement officers and absurd situations.
🛒 The Heat Related Products
- The Heat (Blu-ray): Own the extended, unrated Blu-ray edition with bonus features including deleted scenes, gag reel, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Heat – Movie Poster: Movie poster, perfect for decorating any fan’s room.
- Heat, the: Screenplay: Study the clever, witty screenplay of The Heat and learn how Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock made this movie an instant classic.
- FBI T-Shirt – Inspired by The Heat: Official Movie merchandise.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Heat features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, The Heat is rated R for pervasive language, strong crude content, and some violence. It is not suitable for children.
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a sequel to The Heat. However, given the film’s success, it remains a possibility in the future.
The Heat was primarily filmed in Boston, Massachusetts. The movie captures many iconic locations throughout the city.
🔥 Bonus Content
Larry At The Movies EP 1 – ‘Heat’
Want to know all the secrets behind that unforgettable shootout scene? Watch movie pro Larry Vickers break down the weapons, tactics, and realism of the movie ‘Heat’.
Heat — Creating The Ultimate Bank-Heist Shootout
Curious about the magic behind the iconic bank robbery scene? This video breaks down the tactics, filming, and cultural impact of the legendary sequence from ‘Heat’.
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