DVD Review - Miami Vice

Michael Mann's (he wrote and directed the film) big screen version of the popular television show would probably qualify as "minor Mann" (it doesn't compare to The Insider, Collateral, Heat, etc.). The theme of the film is certainly not original (drugs, etc.). But it is a well made, adult crime drama that is a lot of fun to watch.

Taking on the roles of the two detectives are Jamie Foxx as Rico Tubbs and Colin Farrell as Sonny Crockett. They fit their roles nicely but they don't have to work too hard as the roles are not that challenging in terms of acting. The plot is basically about Tubbs and Crockett going undercover in order to break up and bring to justice a drug smuggling ring.

A number of international actors have smaller roles in this film. Naomie Harris (who is British) plays Det. Trudy Joplin (she just happens to be Tubbs' romantic partner). Irish actor Ciaran
Hinds plays FBI Agent Fujima. I am a bit confused about his character - his last name is Japanese but he certainly isn't. The wonderful Spanish actor Luis Tosar is the head man - Arcangel de Jesus Montoya. He does what he can with his role but it is very underwritten. I would have liked to see more of him on the screen. The best acting is done by John Ortiz who plays Jose Yero and Gong Li who plays Isabella. Both Yero and Isabella are involved with the drug business. And Isabella becomes romantically involved with Crockett (even though she is supposedly a couple with Montoya).

Dion Beebe's cinematography is outstanding. And all the locations feel very real. Miami Vice is not great cinema. But if you want a break from more serious films and just want to be entertained it will certainly do the trick.