Body Heat

January 15, 2010 - Think of the word "hot" – or any synonym – and you have a word that describes this 1981 classic from writer/director Lawrence Kasdan. William Hurt, Richard Crenna and Ted Danson star, but Kathleen Turner steals the show in her big-screen debut.

Hurt plays Ned Racine, a chain-smoking, small-time defense lawyer in south Florida, where it's hotter than it's ever been before. One muggy night, he catches a glimpse of trophy wife Matty Walker, looking cool and crisp in a white dress. They embark on a torrid affair and plot to kill Matty's mean old husband (Crenna). But, once the deed is done, the heat really gets turned up. Ned realizes that the cops suspect him of the crime, and then he realizes, too late, that that's exactly how Matty planned it.

Overall review: **** From beginning to end, everything about this movie says "hot." The opening scene shows a sweaty, post-coital Ned in his boxers watching from his bedroom as a restaurant burns in the distance. His gal-pal comments, "It's hot." Hurt just drips sex and sweat in practically every scene he's in, Turner perfects the smoldering glance, and a soundtrack of sultry saxophone music ensures that the heat won't die down. Add a constant cloud of lingering cigarette smoke, and you can practically feel the stifling atmosphere through the screen. Poor Ned. The only opportunity he has to cool down is when he's put on ice – behind bars.