Rated R for strong violence, language and some sexual content.
Directed by Michael Mann (Heat, The Last of the Mohicans, Manhunter)
Starring Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx
The tagline for this film was “No Rules.” Unfortunately Director Michael Mann followed this advice with his indiscretion.
Yes, this is the movie version of the 80’s TV show that changed television history. And 20 years later, the show’s producer, Michael Mann, returns to direct the theatrical 21st century version.
The story is about our same two Miami detectives, Crocket and Tubbs, as they go undercover to try to bust up a drug operation and find out who's responsible for the deaths of some undercover federal agents.
Before I give you my two cents… I have to confess something: Michael Mann is one of my favorite directors of all time. Heat was one of my all time favorites. Maybe that’s why this film was SO disappointing to me… I had very high expectations.
Although the film definitely included some of the Michael Mann authenticity into the life of the police and the people they’re trying to capture… this film might have just been a little too authentic. Let’s just say that it earned its R rating with ease. Mann, who usually isn’t one to throw in sex, nudity or “eye candy,” doesn’t hesitate in Miami Vice.
And the script just wasn’t up to par with his other films. I was actually a little bored at times. The film was slow. Word of mouth confirmed that with poor audience response.
Sorry Michael… I’m a fan… but you just dropped the ball with this one.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Nope. Plenty of sex, nudity and violence to earn a solid R rating.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
