Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1997)

📖 The Core Premise

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave returns to the screen in 1997, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Crime, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "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."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Dale Midkiff does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Crime, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Heatwave is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 94 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.