Opening 24 Aug 2006
Directed by:
Michael Mann
Writing credits:
Michael Mann
Principal actors:
Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Gong Li, Naomie Harris, Ciaran Hinds
Just when America had thought that Hollywood had finished capitalizing off
television series nostalgia detectives Sonny Crockett (Colin
Farrell) and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) are back in
action 2006 style in the new film Miami Vice. But surprisingly this
version of Miami Vice is quite different from the 80’s television
series on which it is based. In this much darker (yes, gone are the 80’s
pastels) and grittier adaptation Sonny and Ricardo pose as drug transporters for
the feds in order to attempt to nab an international drug cartel leader by the
name of Montoya (Luis Tosar).
From here on the timeline of the film moves at warp speed. Despite the fact
that Colin Farrell unfortunately bears a striking resemblance
to Rob Reiner as Michael the Meathead Stivic of the 70’s sitcom
All in the Family, Montoya’s lover and business partner Isabella (Gong
Li) takes a strong liking to Sonny. By their second transport gig for
Montoya things get way too personal for our police duo.
Miami Vice is full of action and intrigue and is entertaining, but
unfortunately it moves so quickly the film almost feels like it’s over before it
has even begun. And haven’t we gotten tired of TV nostalgia on the big screen?
In this reviewer’s opinion developing the film in its own right rather than
using the Miami Vice name to sell tickets would have made for a
stronger film. (Shauna Keeley)
