Heat

Synopsis:

Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while also planning one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino) attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife (Diane Venora) and the mental health of his stepdaughter (Natalie Portman). McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other's plans.

Movie Review:

"Heat" is directed by the legendary director Michael Mann and might be one of the best crime dramas made for the big screen in the last 20 years. With outstanding performances from its main leads Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, this film is one of my favorite movies of all time. Al Pacino performs in full Pacino style as he goes from yelling to intimidating all in one scene — it is clearly one of his best performances in his long career. With a good hero, a story needs a good villain and this movie has one in Robert De Niro who plays Neil McCauley a professional bank robber; a complex character who makes you understand why he is doing what he is doing. There is a great suspenseful scene between Pacino and De Niro's characters when they are having coffee and Lt. Hanna finally realizes why Neil is robbing these banks. It is very emotional and this scene works because of the phenomenal script written by Michael Mann. In this film, even the supporting cast is used effectively including Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd and Jon Voight. Although in my opinion, the best supporting character in this movie is Val Kilmer who plays McCauley's main man and partner; he steals every scene he is. There is a love story between Robert De Niro and Ashley Judd's character. They have good chemistry between them and the relationship didn't feel awkward or forced. Also, Al Pacino's character's family drama worked very well, it should have been the weakest aspect of the movie but it wasn't; it turned out to be one of the best storylines of the movie. The best scene of the movie has to be the famous shootout between McCauley, his men and the Police officers who are trying to stop them from robbing the bank. This scene is well shot, exciting, and extremely loud — it really felt like you are there. Michael Mann knows how to direct a great shootout scene and impress the audience. The final climax scenes between Lieutenant Hanna and Neil McCauley are thrilling and will have you on the edge of your seat with their cat and mouse game of survival. With outstanding performances from its entire cast, dynamic action scenes, riveting drama scenes that keep you interested with its characters, "Heat" is a crime movie that you must see and that I highly recommend. I loved almost everything about this movie. I am giving "Heat" a 5 out of 5 stars.

Director: Michael Mann

Cast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Tom Sizemore, Diane Venora, Amy Breneman, Ashley Judd, Mykelti Williamson, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, Jon Voight and Val Kilmer

Runtime: 170 minutes