Release Date: 21 September 2006

Synopsis :

Undercover Miami cops Crockett and Tubbs risk their lives while infiltrating a ruthless criminal network involving a Colombian cartel, Russians and white supremacists. Working undercover is adult, dangerous and alluring especially when Crockett and Tubbs go to where their badges don’t count.

Movie Review:

Unlike my trusted fellow columnist who reviewed the soundtrack album for this movie, I have no memory of having watched any kitschy 1980s television action series like Miami Vice. Hence, this movie review shall disregard the factor of whether it does justice to that wildly popular television drama which showcased leading men with rich facial hair, colorful shirts and bared bodies with hairy chests (or so I heard).

You know what they say: never mix up work with your personal lives. The story’s focus is on two Miami detectives who go undercover, taking on a dangerously big drug-trafficking network. Along the way, compromises are made, loved ones are hurt and personal feelings are involved.

Helmed by director Michael Mann whose works include 1999’s The Insider and 2004’s Collateral, one would expect some really uber-cool material from this update of the popular television action drama series. The Oscar-nominated director’s latest work scores high on the cool meter, but sadly, that is about it.

First, there wasn’t really a need to spend 134 minutes to tell a story like that. While there were plenty of scenes which featured the cast talking, negotiating and discussing some really serious issues (as coolly as they can, of course) and spouting one-liners (cool ones, nonetheless), they did not justify why they should all be there. The only purpose is for the sake of creating a cool mood for the film, we’d say.

Then there are the two male leads. Bad boy Colin Farrell (he who provides the rich facial hair) and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx (he who provides a very sculpted bare bod) do not look very happy in this movie. Their constant grim, solemn and brooding characters could have been injected with some fun. And being partners, there is somewhat a lack of chemistry between the two. But then again, if this is what is required to make one look cool to attract all the hot chicks, I rest my case. Mental note to self: it is probably time to revise my own personality.

The first saving grace of this picture comes from, surprise surprise, an Asian actress playing the role of the Cuban drug lord’s Chinese wife. It is not just any Asian actress, but Gong Li, who takes on this task, proving that it is not just a certain nubile Ziyi Zhang who can break into the Hollywood scene. In fact, this 40-year-old acts so well with her body language that we are not minding her inaccurate English pronunciation. Her character may be the only one you’d be caring about.

The other obvious commendable aspect of this movie is the stunningly-shot visuals. Shot on digital video instead of traditional film reels, the sights and sounds of Miami are beautifully captured on camera. As with other films directed by Mann, the shot compositions are a pleasure to the eyes. Viewers with a thing for captivating visuals will love this flick.

And if you are into loud movies, this one is for you too. The booming soundtrack, the deafening gun shots and the revving engine sounds are all ready to do some serious damage to your eardrums.

If you have noticed, I have not compared this 2006 update to the original television series from the 1980s. And that is probably a good thing too, for it has received quite a lot of flak from fans of the action series. However, this does not give it a reason for its underwhelming storyline and uneven pacing.

But then again, maybe I’m just saying that because this super-cool flick makes me feel uncool about myself. The things reviewers write to protect their egos - shudder.

Movie Rating:

(While this Mann vehicle boasts of some really gorgeous visuals, the movie may be too cool for its own good)

Review by John Li