by Katt Jurado, Guest Reporter

Let the Revolution of Gender Comedic Equality march on!  Thanks to cinematic steps forward such as Baby Mama, Bridesmaids, and Pitch Perfect, along with rising star, Melissa McCarthy, The Heat continues the trend even further, not only with strong women as the lead characters, but also with those women being genuinely funny.  The Heat is everything the previews promise and more.

Cocky, straight-laced, agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock – Speed, The Net) is up for a promotion as long as she proves able to work with oh-so-crass, street-smart Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy – Bridesmaids)  Working from a lead given to them by Shannon’s recently paroled brother, Jason (Michael Rapaport – Special) Ashburn and Mullins soon find themselves attempting to bring down a dangerous Boston drug lord.  During the case they become friends and have each other’s backs in both work and personal life.

There are so many great things about The Heat besides the diverse comedy tactics of the unlikely Bullock/McCarthy duo.  The first is the unapologetic look at women in the workplace; the second is the reality factor and finally, the heart.

Women in the workplace seems like something we, as a society, don’t think about much anymore.  Of course women are allowed to have jobs and that’s all great, isn’t it?  Yes, it is great.  However, what’s not addressed as often is the fact that women still have to work harder for equal respect in certain fields.  Even in movies in which women are police officers or FBI Agents, they’re often portrayed as sexy fetish ideals or use their sexuality as bait to help bring down the bad guy.  When a female character is put on the job as an undercover agent, all of a sudden she needs to be in a slinky dress,seducing the creeper cartel.  Not here!  The beauty of The Heat is not only that there are two powerful female lead roles but also that they are the most accomplished women in their own jurisdiction.  They’re smart and brave and are able to do it all with their shirts on…at least while on the job.  The topic of women in the workplace is brought up in the movie but not in an in-your-face style.  When they are insulted as women law enforcers, it is done in a way and by a character you don’t like so you root for them.  When they defend their place they do it as people, not women.  Although you never forget that they are women, it is never used as an excuse in the movie as to why they can or cannot do something or are better or worse at an activity or challenge.

The Heat does not skimp on the storyline because Ashburn and Mullins are women.  Often times, movies try to shy around the functions of women in order to protect them as to try to not offend anyone (i.e. women aren’t drivers in chase scenes, nor are they usually first responders to a home invasion).  A woman can be at the drug bust but usually only to serve to be taken hostage (which only further feeds into the damsel indistress trope).  The Heat shows Ashburn and Mullins in dangerous situations, dodgy neighborhoods, guns to their heads, drivers in chase scenes, and with pain being inflicted.  It proves that women are exposed to just as many dangers on the job as men and have just as much at stake.  The Heat defends women and doesn’t wind up objectifying them.  It was so refreshing to watch a movie in which the female gender stereotype of being notoriously gossipy back-stabbers are actually accepting of each other, defend each other and don’t try to change one another.  Sarah and Shannon’s first bonding experience and expression of respect is while discussing weapons in an arsenal!

The last thing that made The Heat a breath of fresh air was the heart.  More than once, your heart-strings get a bit tugged as Ashburn and Mullins become friends and  let themselves be vulnerable to each other.  However, there are also times when Mullins expresses how awkward Ashburn usually seems to make any given situation, which only makes it all the more funny.  You become attached to both women and engaged with both of their backstories.  You sympathize with them and laugh with them as they discover the motives as to why they both are the way they are.  I don’t know what the female equivalent of a “bromance” is called… but this is it.

Overall

I’m excited for what is to come of this comedic revolution that beings more parity between woman and their male counterparts.  There are already discussions of The Heat 2 as well as some great previews before The Heat of things to come that look very promising, again, dealing with women as the lead characters.  The Heat is a fun and heart-warming way to spend an evening with any of your friends who aren’t easily offended by profanity.

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives The Heat 4 gender defying comedies out of 5.

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