Heat (1995)
Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer; d. Michael Mann; B

Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is an expert thief, and Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) is the LAPD detective who's after him. Being a cat-and-mouse chase (I would insert an inside joke here but I'd rather not...), that's all you really need to know about Heat. Of course, I'd feel guilty if I stopped right there, but then again, what else is there to say? The film has a million different subplots going on at once, but the true core of the film is that one simplistic plot. Now obviously if the film was just one simplistic plot and ten million sub plots, it would get one star instead of three, so it has some redeeming qualities. It's not brilliant and it's formulated as hell. But it's entertaining to watch, at least. Despite the fact that two of cinema's greatest actors in this film, there isn't any great or even very good performances. At least it's interesting to watch Al Pacino act like a homeboy. However, if you want to see a really good movie directed by Michael Mann and staring Al Pacino (not acting like a homeboy), go see The Insider. Otherwise, if there's nothing else on TV and this is one of your choices, either watch this film or go outside and get a breath fo fresh air.

© Vert A Go Go Reviews 2001