Java Heat

After Mickey Rourke gave his deservedly highly praised performance in "The Wrestler", I thought that from that point on, his career would be in a permanent rebound. But just a few years later, Rourke is back making straight to DVD movies, "Java Heat" being one of them. In fairness, this particular straight to DVD movie is nowhere as bad as some of Rourke's past efforts in the genre. Some of the action sequences aren't bad, and we are given an interesting look in many corners of Indonesia. However, the movie is both too long and too slow for the most part - it should have been tightened during the scripting stage. And Rourke doesn't come across very well, with his puffy face and his dialogue often spoken in a mumble that makes it hard to understand what he's saying at times. From this movie, I now think that the remainder of Rourke's career will be stuck in the direct to DVD market and that no one will give him another chance at something better. Too bad.

"Java Heat" unfolds as a visually striking thriller set amidst the dynamic landscape of Indonesia, weaving together the contrasting elements of rickshaws, machine guns, and a cast led by Mickey Rourke and Kellan Lutz. Against the backdrop of the country boasting the world's largest Muslim population, the film seeks to engage viewers not only in its action-packed narrative but also in an anthropological exploration of Indonesian culture.

Writers Conor and Rob Allyn, who maintain a connection with Java, inject a sense of authenticity into the film, particularly through the portrayal of Javanese characters like Ario Bayu. This allows the audience to witness credible glimpses into local customs, providing a distinctive layer to the storyline. However, the film's Achilles' heel lies in its portrayal of the protagonist, Jake, played by Kellan Lutz, who grapples with breaking free from the shackles of dismissive stereotypes.

As the narrative unfolds, Jake emerges as a resilient yet underestimated figure, weathering a terrorist attack with a physical fortitude depicted almost as impervious armor. The script, however, lingers on the initial perception of Jake as a fortunate simpleton, preventing Lutz from fully distancing himself from his past roles. The film's attempt to carve a more compelling character faces resistance from the locals, who dismissively label him as the stereotypical American "Rambo."

While Mickey Rourke injects sporadic vibrancy into the storyline, the true standout is Ario Bayu, delivering a thoughtful and nuanced performance as a principled detective navigating the complexities of crime and justice. Regrettably, Lutz's performance tends towards monotony, relying excessively on his physical prowess. Gratuitous scenes featuring a sweaty, shirtless workout and a nude massage, while showcasing Lutz's imposing physical presence, contribute little to character development.

"Java Heat" earns commendation for its captivating portrayal of Indonesian culture, but it stumbles in creating a truly engaging narrative. The film's 5/10 score reflects its praiseworthy efforts to explore cultural nuances but laments missed opportunities to transcend formulaic plotlines. Lutz's on-screen presence, though physically imposing, fails to inject the depth required to elevate the film beyond its predictable action-thriller trajectory. Moments of vibrancy are overshadowed by the overarching challenge of infusing Lutz's role with the substance needed to resonate with the audience on a more profound level.

#JavaHeatCulturalThriller.

I first saw JAVA HEAT at a local action movie festival back in May of 2013. I had never heard of it and went to see it to help support the festival and raise money for a local charity. I wasn't expecting much as most of the movies in this festival had been no great shakes. All action and nothing else. This suited the fans just fine but it left me with a sprained wrist from checking my watch so often. However I came out of JAVA HEAT pleasantly surprised. Not only was I engaged throughout but I got to see lots of local Indonesian culture and more than capable performances from Indonesian actors Ario Bayu and Atiquah Hasiholan.

Mickey Rourke as the international villain (in addition to English he speaks French, Arabic & Javanese) is a delight to watch and to root against. He's clearly enjoying himself as much as Javier Bardem did in SKYFALL. While he-man Kellan Lutz is the weak link in the chain, he is more than adequate to the task at hand (resembling a cross between Christopher Reeve and a young Arnold Schwarzenegger) and he looks great in the buff. There's also a brief moment that makes fun of him having been in TWILIGHT. The film proved so popular that the theater brought it back for a one week run shortly after the festival.

JAVA HEAT is a throwback to the exotic B movie fare of yore like MACAO or SIROCCO only retooled for the 21st century with a little nudity, occasional bursts of graphic violence, and a lot of action set pieces. It has no aspirations of being anything other than what it is, an entertaining way to fill 100 minutes of your time. The use of split screen ala Brian De Palma (think CARRIE) is both retro and put to good use. The movie is technically accomplished in a no-nonsense way with crisp editing, solid photography and effective use of traditional and contemporary music.

The story is familiar but effective. A young American (Lutz) who is not what he claims to be joins forces with a local police lieutenant (Bayu) to try and solve the assassination of a female member of Indonesian royalty (Hasiholan). Things quickly get complicated with payoffs, cover-ups, and a plan to steal the royal treasury thrown into the mix and all masterminded by uber-villain Rourke. The majority of movies are made with nothing more than entertainment in mind and if you enjoy an action flick with an exotic locale and a budget well under $100 million, then JAVA HEAT will more than fill the bill...For more reviews visit The Capsule Critic.

"The how I know, the why I haven't figured out yet." After a suicide bomber strikes in Indonesia, American Marine/FBI agent Jake Travers (Lutz) travels there posing as a graduate student to catch the terrorists behind it. Getting help from a Muslim cop Hashim (Bayu) they begin to uncover a hidden truth that could wind up being more dangerous then suicide bombers. I have to start by saying action movies like this don't really rely to much on acting to keep you interested but Lutz's acting is so bad it's almost distracting. Also Mickey Rourke seems miscast in this. Other then that the movie is not too bad but it is a little slow and hard to stay interested in in a few parts. I would still say it's worth watching but be prepared for a movie that feels longer then it is. There have been many movies about terrorist threats like this to come out lately and while this is OK it's not one of the better ones. Overall, worth watching but nothing to rush and see. I give it a C+.

To start with, a very well sorted plot, story and good screenplay. The movie keeps getting you interested even in some dull scenes. Overall a very well written script and screenplay….good acting by Ario Bayu…I thought he did an excellent job in this movie.

Yeah…action is missing in some scenes but there is enough to enjoy !!… would have been a great movie if there were some more action packed scenes. I don't want to take away the credit from the director….he did a nice job but he could have done better with all the ingredients he had (plot, story, actors and locations)….nevertheless decent action flick.

Recommended from my side :-)