Java Heat

"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.

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 :-)

Another movie from far east, Indonesia.

Clearly this is an action movie, if you like action, this movie could be your weekend options. Quite entertaining. A lot of action in there.

Tells the story of a special forces anti-terrorism cooperation with an American citizen solving terrorism cases.

Speaking of the actors may not be so well known, but their acting is quite good.

In the end, the film is worth watching. presents the story from the largest Muslim country in the world. Where many terrorists were arrested and prosecuted.

From 1 to 10 I give 6.5

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.

A Muslim detective teams with an American (Kellan Lutz) posing as a graduate student to find the man (Mickey Rourke) behind a series of deadly terrorist bombings in Indonesia.

Although this seems in some ways to be an inferior-grade "Bourne" film, it has plenty to offer: a fresh lead actor, a great villain (Rourke, as a "klepto-terrorist") and all the action you expect from such a film -- explosions, gun fights and car crashes.

My biggest issues were not really with the film itself (which I thought was pretty good), but more technical matters. The DVD/BD seems to have not had the volume synced properly (conversations are too quiet, action too loud) and the subtitles are hard to read -- both because they are small, and also because they leave the screen too quickly. I would have enjoyed the film much more if these problems were corrected.