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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
my guilty pleasure, 21 Nov 2011
This review is from: Miami Vice [Blu-ray] [2006] [US Import] (Blu-ray)
Why do I love this film so much when it stands for all the things I dislike about a film? It is a bit cheesy, a bit far fetched, a bit gruesome, false accents and cliche cop action. Yet I am drawn to it like a moth to a flame. So much so that I actually upgraded my DVD to the extended blu-ray version. There are lots of opinions about which version is better, but I think both are equals - maybe i have just watched it too many times. This film has everything you would expect from a cop film: drugs, undercover ops, corrupt agents and a sense of good v evil. So it doesn't really differ from the main stream. Normally I would shy away from this type of film, but there is something very cult about this. I can't say it's hold on me is related to the TV series as I never watched it and have no intention of doing so, but it sank its claws into me from the first sceening. I guess what holds my attention is that this isn't a typical audience spoon-fed script, but on the same token you don't have to have a rapt attention to detail to follow along (sometimes you just want to vegetate and not think too hard). There is a deeper story that develops throughout the film and on further viewings I found something new, a nuance, a look or the way something is said. It is this sort of new discovery that kept my attention. However, I can see that this is going to be a big miss with many folk, my wife decided after 10 mins that she was not interested in it - not quite grounds for divorce, but maybe one I will refer to in proceedings (joking!) I liken this to Against All Odds, a film that rates mid-point, but has a cult like hold on me.
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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning - visual story for persons capable of reading film - if you need exposition to explain the plot, don't bother, 5 Oct 2008
Stunning film making from Michael Mann. I have discussed with others and this film is going to be one you love or hate - I was the only one in 5 people or so who loved it so be wary.
The film opens in a deliberately disorientating fashion - it initially appears to be showing us a police exercise in a night club but almost immediately pulls us out as an informant telephones Crockett & Tubbs to report the trouble he is in. This draws the two into a drugs tale that is told through visuals and whilst complex and stimulating is not complicated. Hence my confusion at the viewers moaning that they did not understand it and who want everything laid out on a plate for them and presumably to switch their brains off when watching a film. If you want to be challenged get this and enjoy, otherwise go and buy something that shows you the plot, explains it and then explains it again.
Stylistically the film appears to be documentary hand held in nature but this is deceptive - look closer and note the stylism in the opening sequence through the lack of car sounds when the white range rovers drive up to the night club. Clearly there is an intelligence in the direction that requires analysis by the viewer to understand the intentions of the film maker. Several viewings will be required to get to grips with this and serious film theory thought on meanings within the meanings. If you are not prepared to spend some time on this film then don't bother.
For the more action orientated fans there is a stunningly filmed sequence in a trailer park that demonstrates the type of talent that Mann brought to Heat and Manhunter.
Maybe it would help you in choosing to buy by knowing I never watched the TV series. Maybe if you did not either then you will find a film of great interest here. Hopefully this short set of notes will help your decision on whether to buy or not.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Miami Vice done well, Citizen Kane it is not!, 23 Jun 2008
What I like about this movie; everything!
The style is great, the clothes, cars/ go fast boats, cinematography, a soundtrack to die for...
The 4 main characters work superbly as a team and are completely convincing, Naomie Harris praised in Mann's commentary for nailing the accent and quite rightly - she is spot-on. Elizabeth Rodriguez plays it mean and you would not want to upset her (unless you want a round at 2700' per second fired into your brain!), probably best buy her a drink.
Farrell and Foxx are effortlessly good.
The opening (theatrical cut) in the nightclub sets the mood, Linkin Park's 'Numb' segued into a great reworking of a Nina Simone vocal.
After the two leads going undercover comes the start of the 'boring' Gong Li/ Colin Farrell romance. This is central to the plot and the ending.
I love the moment they take off in the speedboat to the heart wrenching vocals of Patti LaBelle singing Moby's 'One of these mornings'. It also portrays the gentle side of Crockett's character.
There are the usual Michael Mann excellently constructed setpieces, mainly shoot outs, the trailer park being a highlight of restraint.
It is not a 'acting for oscars' film and is better judged on what it sets out to do, entertain and update the series , which it does and then some.
The u.s. hd-dvd here is the way to go, if you have the necessary drives and region 1 capable hardware, as you get the directors extended version in 1080p high-def and the theatrical version in standard definition on the other side of this 'combo' disc. Either way it looks and sounds great.
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