Miami Vice
Screenplay written by: Michael Mann (based on Anthony
Yerkovich’s T.V. characters)
Actors: Jamie Foxx, Colin Ferrell, Li Gong, Naomie Harris
Directed by: Michael Mann (also Ali, The Insider, The Last of
the Mohicans)
Rated: R (Strong violence, language, and some sexual
content)
Miami Vice
Screenplay written by: Michael Mann (based on Anthony Yerkovich’s T.V. characters)
Actors: Jamie Foxx, Colin Ferrell, Li Gong, Naomie Harris
Directed by: Michael Mann (also Ali, The Insider, The Last of the Mohicans)
Rated: R (Strong violence, language, and some sexual content)
Based upon the popular 1980’s TV action/drama, Miami-Vice detectives Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) are recruited into an Inter-Agency investigation of a major drug lord after a tragic security breach compromises the FBI’s ranks. Undercover as outlaw narcotics smugglers, Sonny and Ricardo seek out the elusive Londono, the most feared kingpin in drug trafficking, who is represented by his Cuban-Chinese banker, Isabella (Li Gong). When Crockett becomes romantically involved with exotic and dangerous Isabella, tensions build as Tubbs suspects that his partner has blurred the line between allegiance to duty and friendship and his loyalty to his lover – which could come at the expense of their life-threatening mission.
He Said:
Most teenagers and anyone who enjoys action films will appreciate Miami Vice. I am generally quite entertained by striking cinematography and the pyrotechnics of exploding boats and buildings coupled with well-executed chase scenes. Still, Miami and the Keys just did not seem as bright and colorful as I remembered despite expansive island vistas, speeding cigarette boats, and the requisite explosions. Maybe the remade unconventional characters that enthralled me once when I sat in front of the tube twenty+ years ago just did not have the same appeal, or perhaps, the 2006 movie only seemed like a cinema enhanced worn-out T.V. plot. Either way, this action-packed film experience was a little lack-luster at times despite a capable director and good acting performances by Foxx, Ferrell, and Gong. Miami Vice was a good summer afternoon movie, not much more.
On the R&R Scale (1-10):
6 for Script: “inside” nomenclature sometime awkward.
7 for Direction: Captured the action and tension well.
7 for Acting: Underplayed by everyone.
6 for Plot: Moved along well but a little uninspired -predictable.
6 for Entertainment Value.
6.4 Overall
She Said:
Why wasn’t it as intriguing or as much fun as it used to be? Interweaving the professional and personal aspects of their undercover lives was always a winning formula for Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs in the TV series, Miami Vice. In the movie, however, the director assumed from the beginning that every viewer knew the partners’ important history that bonded their relationship and gave it the elasticity it needed when circumstances caused doubt and stretched their friendship. If you were under 45 years old and did not watch re-runs, I guess you simply missed that fairly crucial aspect of the plot’s dynamics. Putting that aside, the movie’s T.V. re-run tone was definitely elevated by the class under-acting by Foxx and Farrell in their undemanding roles. Additionally, Gong Li was quite good as Isabella, mixing the unusual Cuban and Chinese heritage quite effectively in her powerful yet vulnerable characterization. So what was lacking? Maybe the notion of corruption in federal law enforcement agencies and a strong women involved in an deepening interracial relationship who pulls the financial strings for an international drug cartel isn’t as much of a stretch for entertainment factor as it once was.
On the R&R Scale (1-10)
6 for Script: Adapted 80’s TV characters and plot aspects to screen.
6 for Direction: Mann’s average is most people’s best.
6 for Acting: Demanded little of Farrell and Foxx; Li good.
6 for Plot: Entertaining, but not as textured or layered as some current T.V. shows.
7 for Entertainment Value: Predictable summer action.
6.2 Overall
