Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave (1997) movie backdrop
Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave (1997) movie poster
199794 minDrama, Crime, TV Movie

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.2/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, Crime, TV Movie genre.

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

6.24 votes
94Minutes
1997Release Year
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Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1997, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on It is a very hot summer in the city as the well known detectives of the 87th Precinct investigate serial rapes and a mysterious homicide (which do not appear to be connected). Under the direction of Douglas Barr, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Dale Midkiff, Erika Eleniak, Paul Ben-Victor. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. It is a very hot summer in the city as the well known detectives of the 87th Precinct investigate serial rapes and a mysterious homicide (which do not appear to be connected). The women getting raped appear to be raped by a rapist who has raped them earlier and who was not caught. Detective Eileen Burke, who is working together with detectives Carella, Meyer and Brown, goes undercover and pretends to be one of the women who was raped earlier in order to lure out the rapist. Her boyfriend, Det. Kling, is not happy with her assignment. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1997 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave (1997): with an audience rating of 6.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Crime, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG-13
Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave movie hit or flop?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave worth watching?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is a Drama, Crime, TV Movie movie that It is a very hot summer in the city as the well known detectives of the 87th Precinct investigate serial rapes and a mysterious homicide (which do not...

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave
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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave movie hit or flop?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave worth watching?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is a Drama, Crime, TV Movie movie that It is a very hot summer in the city as the well known detectives of the 87th Precinct investigate serial rapes and a mysterious homicide (which do not...

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave family friendly?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Drama, Crime, TV Movie elements. Parental guidance is recommended.

Where can I watch Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave?

You can find streaming options and availability for Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave?

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave?

The runtime and duration of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

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