Miami Vice (film) why the hate?

[Aldo]

Normally I'm one to view a film and see both sides of the equation. Case in point: Quantum of Solace, I love it, think it's a great Bond film, a lot of people hate it and feel it really lost a lot of what made Bond great. I can totally see why people feel that way, the flaws they see are just not there for me, but I understand why people can view certain aspects of that film as flawed.

So Miami Vice, watched it again tonight on a lark...actually there's a thread going on right now about awesome teasers and this film's teaser was mentioned in it. Of course it was inevitably followed by "...too bad the movie sucked."

So like I said, I can usually see both sides of the equation, but here I cannot, I love this film, think both Farrel and Foxx are great as the leads, find the plot incredibly engaging, and love the music score to death. I think this movie is probably my favorite Mann film outside of Heat.

And just to cover all my bases, in no way do I think this film discredits the TV show, in fact I believe if the film was made up of the cast from the show, with the exact same script to work from, everyone would be loving it.

 

[firehawk12]

My big problem is that Gong Li seems so miscast for the role... but Mann specifically wanted her for the film.

 

[C.E. Evans]

...I believe if the film was made up of the cast from the show, with the exact same script to work from, everyone would be loving it.

I think this is probably the sentiment that some have towards the film. It might have also been just a remake that not many really wanted, IMO...

 

[Forbin]

Not that the series was known for things like strong character development or anything, but there was ZERO character development in the film, and zero chemistry between the actors. It really could have been called any other title with any other characters, and been just another well-shot action film, without bothering to invoke the Miami Vice name.

 

[23skidoo]

I've never had much interest in Miami Vice, TV show or film, but I don't recall seeing much hate towards it. My impression was the film was rather well-received, even if it didn't necessarily make enough at the box office to justify a Miami Vice II. There was the usual griping about not having the original cast involved, but that's to be expected.

Alex

 

[Dac]

Being not alive when the original Miami Vice aired, I had no investment in the original, however, I did go and see the remake and I loved it. It was cool, looked gorgeous and had some nice action scenes. The story may have been a bit convoluted, but i'd rather have my story be a bit on the subdued clever side of things than "THEM GUYS ARE BAAAD" which is what 99% of action flicks are, and like I said none of them looked as gorgeous as that did.

So to answer your question, I don't hate it, I like it a lot.

 

[Lonemagpie]

I loved it; better than the series...

 

[OsmiumJohnnycake]

I didn't like the series at all as a kid but I thought the movie was very cool. Great mood and atmosphere.

 

[Brikar99]

I haven't seen it since its first run in theatres, but my recollection was just that I found it plain boring, with only a few spurts where it would catch my attention. I didn't hate it, I just didn't feel any desire to watch it again.

 

[Gary Mitchell]

I haven't seen it since its first run in theatres, but my recollection was just that I found it plain boring, with only a few spurts where it would catch my attention. I didn't hate it, I just didn't feel any desire to watch it again.

I agree. It was dull. It also didn't need to be called Miami Vice. As a fan of the series, I knew going in that it wasn't going to be like the show. The series was a product of its time.

 

[JarodRussell]

Miami Vice (film) why the hate?

Because it sucks?

 

[saturn5]

Miami Vice (film) why the hate?

Because it sucks?

Too true, never understood why people are so keen on Colin Farell and he brings zero charisma to the role, everyone else is pretty forgettable and there's little of the fun and coolness you get with the series. If you want a good Miami Vice ep see 'Where the buses don't run', it's fantastic

 

[Yevetha]

It was not bad, but i never watched the original series.

 

[Aldo]

...I believe if the film was made up of the cast from the show, with the exact same script to work from, everyone would be loving it.

I think this is probably the sentiment that some have towards the film. It might have also been just a remake that not many really wanted, IMO...

Well when I heard they were remaking it I felt ambivalent towards it as well. But hearing it wasn't going to be an origin story or some lame comedy (Starsky and Hutch anyone?) I was intrigued. I was a bit underwhelmed when I originally saw it since I thought it'd have some more action in it, but the more I watch it the more I really enjoy it.

 

[Mooch]

My big problem is that Gong Li seems so miscast for the role... but Mann specifically wanted her for the film.

That's my main criticism as well, and the fact that the plot with her seemed to marginalize Jamie Foxx for a lot of the movie.

 

[JarodRussell]

Mann can't be trusted, lol. He shot the whole thing on video, which looks horrible. Then he found no better replacement for Don Johnson than Colin Farrell? Give me a break!

 

[Admiral Shran]

Not that the series was known for things like strong character development or anything, but there was ZERO character development in the film, and zero chemistry between the actors. It really could have been called any other title with any other characters, and been just another well-shot action film, without bothering to invoke the Miami Vice name.

Bingo! We have a winner!

It's been a while since I've seen it, but I remember it having so little to do with the show. I could just as easily be any run-of-the-mill action movie. Was the name Tubbs ever even spoken in the film?

 

[Aldo]

Sure Jamie Foxx seems to be sidelined while Crockett romances Gong Li's character. But it seems that Jamie Foxx monopolizes most of the front half of the film and most of the last half. Crockett's brief tryst with Gong Li seems to be the only time Farrell gets something to do

 

[lurok]

I think Mann is a talented filmmaker, and admire that he was one of the first big name directors to embrace digital. Only problem I've found is his films leave me a little cold so generally appreciate first-time viewing for certain technical aspects or sequences but never have any strong desire to rewatch. Manhunter being a rare exception.

 

[Forbin]

I love to watch Thief - it also suffers from 2D characters, but it's just gorgeosuly shot.