MIAMI VICE

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I'm not at all familiar with the TV series and so I brought no expectations to this film, other than that I was aware that it is not highly regarded within the canon of director Michael Mann.

It's visually stylish if you're happy with the look of a digital camera - I'm not sure that I am.

The plot is not very interesting, involving Crockett and Tubbs (played by Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx respectively) going undercover in drug cartel.  Crockett goes so undercover that he starts an intense relationship with Isabella who is a financial adviser and lover to the cartel's kingpin.  The highlight of the film is a sequence showing Crockett and Isabella falling in love with each other, starting with a speedboat trip to Cuba.  Isabella is superbly played by Gong Li.

Also making an impression is John Ortiz as Yero, the cartel's head of security who is thoroughly unpleasant throughout.

The action sequences are nothing special.  It can't have helped that the climactic shootout was put together in a rush because the original ending had to be scrapped.

So yes, not one of Mann's best, but despite its flaws I was happy enough to hang out with Crockett and Tubbs down Florida way for a couple of hours.

RATING: ✓ Cheers

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