Delta Heat (1992)

Why so much hype?

A Disappointing Continuation

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Anthony Edwards comes to New Orleans from LA to investigate his partner's gruesome death down there. The killing matches the m.o. of a serial killer who seems to have died in an explosion years earlier but no body was ever found--dun dun dun.... Edwards is referred to the retired (and hook handed) detective who was chasing down said killer played by Lance Henriksen--does Lance want another chance to nail down that killer (who took his hand in the explosion that was supposed to have killed him???) What do you think??? A little humor here goes a long way towards making this one watchable. There's the usual cultures clashing stuff (Edwards being a slick LA cop complete with flashy clothes and coiffed hairstyle vs. Henriksen's swamp rat complete with a rat tail hair style to match--he lives on an abandoned property surrounded by swamp and alligators--he's very content being left alone til Edwards comes sniffing around) But Henriksen gets in some very choice one liners, and even the fisticuffs that break out between the two partners is well staged (because what's a good mismatched buddy cop movie if the two partners don't get into a giant fistfight at one point?) Its overall a very solid watch, with a somewhat decent-ish twist ending that the movie does a pretty good job of trying to trick you with (i had suspicions, but i was fine with it) Its too bad it didn't spawn a sequel because i absolutely would've watched another movie with these two teaming up for another crime.

Missed this classic cop duo action thriller, I think everyone did. Even though it was made in 1992 you would think it was an 80's film looking at the state of Anthony Edwards and his wardrobe. His hair cut is really something to been seen, on top of that the earring that he sports is truly unthinkable.I really can't think of many less likely or worthy to be cast in a cop buddy action flick than Edwards, the man is not the right type for action films. I still ponder how he got cast in 'Top Gun'. His partner in this is Lance Henriksen who as usual is on top form hamming it up something chronic as a Southern swamp dwelling Dixie with an alligator obsession (he lost his hand to one).The film is clearly suppose to be along the same lines as 'Beverly Hills Cops'. There is the obligatory smart ass humour throughout which isn't really that funny, chirpy little tunes of the South to give that quirky not too serious feeling and pretty much everything else you might expect from this type of film. Odd thing is there isn't that much action in the film.An original double team in the form of a slick Hollywood cop who dresses like an 80's reject and scruffy looking 'Crocodile Dundee' type from down South. I give the film that but otherwise its pretty poor stuff with not much to recommend unless you really love Henriksen and his characters (his second film based in the Bayous of New Orleans).3/10

Any Lance Henriksen movie is worth a look, and there are quite a few to look at. Some are unwatchable like "Sasquatch Mountain", then there are the overlooked gems like "Delta Heat". Sure it's another mismatched buddy cop film, but the humor is there, the plot is acceptable with a twist ending, Lance Henriksen plays a colorful swamp rat perfectly, and the film has definite entertainment value. If a movie entertains, then the mediocre acting, humongous plot holes, and low budget really don't matter. Another plus here is the great Louisiana location filming, and an appropriate soundtrack. "Delta Heat" is a winner in the "B'movie sweepstakes. - MERK

I wasn't expecting much more than a B-rated (or less) cop drama. An L.A. cop (Anthony Edwards) gets knee deep in mud and crayfish in New Orleans looking for the drug lord that killed his partner. There, he partners up with one of a former cop (Lance Henriksen) with a hook.This movie was far too long and the story never really picks up. L.A. and Lousinana cop just go about roughing up their leads.There are a few funny moments. While Edwards plays the loose, cocky L.A. Cop, Henriksen is a little like Robert Shaw's charater on Jaws. He's full of witty sarcasm and has his own local way doing things. And there's a running gag of Edwards always messing up his suit.It is also speckled with bad acting from background characters. It might have played out better as a television show.Look for the character, Forbes (after the flashback), the infamous drug lord. For the short while he is in the movie, it is not an actor, but a very obvious latex dummy. Why they just didn't get one of the camera men to get on a grey wig? At least they would have blinked.