No need to recap plot or echo consensus points. I was about to turn off the dvd after the first 30-or-so-minutes. In short, I got tired of the repetitive "body heat" between Ned and Matty. It looked exploitative since nude scenes were still novel to movies generally. But fortunately I stayed with it. In retrospect, maybe some scenes were overdone, but the sum-total was necessary to bring off the plot as a whole. The movie's memorable for the sneaky way the narrative traps unwary viewers, including myself who should know better having seen a ton of 40's noir. But the trap wouldn't spring without that convincingly sly turn from neophyte actress Turner. There's no hint of a sneaky inner life in her Matty. At the same time, both Hurt and the screenplay do a good job suggesting Ned's sexual conceit, thereby adding greatly to the story's ironical outcome. Plus, that final scene would never have been allowed in classic 40's noir, courtesy the dead hand of Code censors. All in all, Kasdan's flick adds up to a worthy update of noir's classic period, and shouldn't be missed.

"Ned Racine" (William Hurt) is a small-town lawyer in Florida who just happens to meet a beautiful, married woman named "Matty Walker" (Kathleen Turner) one night and immediately becomes sexually attracted to her. After spending some time with her she brings up the fact that her husband, "Edmund Walker" (Richard Crenna) has left a sizable sum for her in his will and suggests that if Ned kills him they can have each other along with the money. Soon both of them concoct an elaborate plan to murder Edmund but things don't quite turn out the way it was initially intended. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this turned out to be an excellent film-noir with solid acting by everyone involved. Of particular note was the steamy performance by Kathleen Turner who dominated every scene she was in. Additionally, the twist at the end was also quite remarkable as well. In any case, I highly recommend this movie for those who might be interested in a film of this type and I have rated it accordingly. Definitely above average.

When it comes to these femme fatale type of movies, the formula has become very familiar now. However when this film first came out, it was pretty cleverly executed. I think this is one of the films that inspired the creation of other seductive woman type characters in films that know what they want and know how to play the game. The the story takes place during the summer in Florida when it's going through a heatwave. A woman temps a lawyer with her sexiness and manipulates him to kill her rich husband. So they can take off with his money by legally taking it all by using the legal system. From there are the choices the characters make really start to bite them in the butt. While you as an audience is trying to figure out exactly what is going on and what the main plan that is being utilized is. This is a film for adults and I don't mean that because of the sexual content. But because this is a slow burn movie that will bore most teenagers. Overall, I have seen these types of movies before so the ending was quite predictable for me. But I appreciate it for what it accomplished and brought forth at that time. Plus another femme fatale film came out a year later called "Basic Instinct". Which will be a bigger hit because of Sharon Stone and because of a certain scene with her in it.7.6/10

First look at Body Heat by Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire Strikes Back, Accidental Tourist) one may think "Hey, so what, it looks like a remake of Double Indemnity." But a couple of factors give this film a life of its own. The casting is top notch, with a spot on Ted Danson threatening to steal the show as the messenger of foreshadowing, and a small role with Mickey Rourke as an accomplice to arson. And of course, there's Kathleen Turner and William Hurt in what could be considered their finest performances they ever committed to celluloid.In fact, foreshadowing is the name of the game here, as seedy Florida lawyer Ned Racine gradually realizes his fated connection to femme fatale Matty Walker. Shot and structured like an art film, scenes were either carefully rendered with attention to detail, or just the subtle tinkling of piano keys ring ominously throughout that creates a fatalistic atmosphere.The sex and violence is present, but the latter is kept to the bare minimum, and the former is portrayed almost tastefully in its eroticism. The carnal lust that the characters share for one another fits with the film's salacious and 'heated' tone, where morality is blurred and greed overtakes common sense.I figured I could predict how the story would even play out, but I was taken by surprise with a well written twist that plays on the expectations of the viewer, and makes a passionate commentary on the human condition.So after the film was finished, I wasn't left thinking "So What?" anymore, so much as "Man, I wish I could have directed that film." A fine piece of American Neo-Noir and one of the better mystery/thrillers of the 80s. A great all around package.