MovieChat Forums > Red Heat (1988) Discussion > 5.9?? What the??

5.9?? What the??

posted 12 years ago by MachoManRandySavage
17 replies | jump to latest

I don't normally comment on what number rating a movie has, but I was shocked at how low this one rated.

This is a classic 80's action/buddy movie. The cliche's are great, and fun. The Dirty Harry references and theme is funny, because Belushi is a Dirty Harry wannabe but Arnold's character doesn't know or care who Dirty Harry is. This movie has an interesting and fast paced story with lots of laughs and lots of action.

Sometimes I wonder what people thought they were going to see when they put a movie like this on. If you thought you were going to see another French Connection I guess you would be disappointed.

If you actually saw it had Jim Belushi and Arnold in it, I don't see how one could be disappointed in this at all.

It was a good solid 7 at least. C'mon people!

[–] darkknight34 12 years ago

I just finished watching this movie and decided to check the rating and I was shocked too! I agree that it deserves at least a 7. Great movie and one of Arnold's best!!

[–] EurasianEyes 11 years ago

I was surprised over the low raiting. This is probably Arnold's best performance beside Terminator, good movie. I gave it a 7.

[–] LennyneroAU 11 years ago

Older movies are criminally underrated in this place, while most newer rubbish get automatic 7+

I agree with film still holds up well as is miles superior to modern movies of its genre. It had arnie of course in his prime, James Belushi, and was genuinely hilarious and witty in its humour unlike today when the best we get is just cheesy jokes.

7.5/10

I watched it the other day and was laughing out loud many times.

[–] GreenGoblinsOckVenom86 11 years ago

I agree. I'd give it an 8.

"You want me to roll 6,000 of these!? What? Should I quit my job!?" George Costanza, Seinfeld

[–] Bluecher 11 years ago

One of Arnold's best. Even Belushi is funny.

"Oh, what have I drunk?" - Socrates

[–] detroit-velvet-smooth 10 years ago

Its actually a pretty horrible movie even by cheesy 80s standards. I watched it tonight for the first time in more than 10 years back to back with Commando and it just really paled in comparison. The movie takes a tone that's far too serious for how funny its trying to be half the time and meanwhile the super serious tense story is tired and not the least bit compelling and none of the jokes are really funny.

Meanwhile Commando had a better soundtrack, better cinematography, way better stunts and most importantly better pacing. It was a self aware bit of schlock, deliberately playing up its cheese while Red Heat was trying to be the wrong type of film for its subject. Even the final showdown was disappointing. My friend summed it up by saying "Thats it?" when the forgettable bad guy died.

This movie was a bore. I'd say its rating is much too high. I had fond memories of it from being a kid but it doesn't stand the test of time, not like some other Arnold films of the era.

[–] Captain_Wesker 10 years ago

What are some stellar examples of serious 1980s action movies other than The Terminator and Die Hard?

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] detroit-velvet-smooth 10 years ago

Predator immediately comes to mind. Its got that schlocky B horror movie thing with the whole guy in a suit monster and the whole thing is played straight but it has its cheesy fun 80s moments too. Lots of killing, lots of military commando type stuff, the whole small team against great odds type of set piece in the start.

But stuff like this makes for classic 80s memes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMYpNjF9EB8

Another is Total Recall, though thats 1990 but its basically 80s through and through. Its played serious but its also ridiculous with Michael Ironisde, triple boob, and yes Kuato.

And how can we forget Robocop? It runs the perfect balance of satire and schlock. This one is essential.

Lots more but those are my favourites, on top of Commando. Commando is definitely more self aware of its schlockiness. It plays it up the same way comedy films play up their gags, but it executes it so perfectly. I don't know if I would call it serious though. Its too self aware really. It never feels like its trying ot be serious and ends up being schlocky unintentionally, so I guess its not technically a serious 80s action film.

[–] Captain_Wesker 10 years ago

Bleh. I have no excuse for forgetting about Predator and Robocop. Thank you for chiming in, all the same .

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] ganiscol 9 years ago

Funny. In my Book, Commando is amongst the worst piece of junk Arnie ever made. It doesnt have any of the ingredients needed and Arnie delivers a weak performance.

[–] scannerdarkly (1399) 3 years ago

"Please dont disturb my friend, he's dead tired".

[–] Jones70 (6872) 4 years ago

Sorry you feel that way, I wish I had more time to enjoy movies like this.

[–] jlamarca 10 years ago

I agree it should've scored @ least a 7! I bet it would have scored much higher if it were morally bankrupt like the newer films - you know homosexuality, blasphemy, debauchery, etc... SAD BUT I THINK TRUE!

[–] Captain_Wesker 9 years ago

What ?

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] Hannibal_Manhunter89 8 years ago

I agree; its a fun 80's thrill ride :) I give it a solid 7/10.

The Saw Is Family

[–] Jones70 (6872) 4 years ago

I agree I like this movie a lot and would probably give it an 8.