Michael Mann’s Miami Vice: From Disappointment To Masterpiece

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I didn’t like Michael Mann’s Miami Vice when it came out in 2006, but now I consider it one of his strongest films. Mann’s movies often have a similar style: they’re usually crime stories, incredibly well-researched, and include at least a few visually impressive scenes.

Beyond the action, Michael Mann’s films often explore surprisingly deep and emotional themes, with his complex characters questioning their purpose. While the shootout in Heat is his most famous scene, all of his movies have something worthwhile to offer—even his unusual horror film, The Keep, is enjoyable.

Michael Mann played a significant role in the iconic 1980s TV show, Miami Vice, which revolutionized television with its engaging characters and movie-like style, delivering a cinematic experience each week. Many felt it would make a great film, and Jamie Foxx, a devoted fan who had previously collaborated with Mann on Ali and Collateral, ultimately persuaded the director to create a movie adaptation.

I Was Left Totally Cold By Michael Mann’s 2006 Miami Vice Movie

I was really excited to see the Miami Vice movie when it came out in 2006. I’m a big fan of Michael Mann’s directing, and I’d enjoyed the TV show. The trailer and cast looked promising, so I expected a lot. But honestly, I was disappointed when I finally saw it.

I found the movie visually unappealing, with unclear dialogue, and the chemistry between the two leads felt flat. While the action sequences were good, they were too infrequent. Overall, the movie’s lukewarm reception from critics and audiences matched my own disappointment.

Despite costing around $135 million to make, Miami Vice earned approximately $164 million globally. Reviews were quite divided, with a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Released during a summer filled with successful films like X-Men: The Last Stand and The Da Vinci Code, Miami Vice didn’t perform as strongly as those blockbusters.

Miami Vice Had A Troubled Production

Despite having a large budget and aiming for a mature, intense tone, Miami Vice faced challenges, partly due to reports of difficulties during filming. Rumors suggest Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell didn’t have a good working relationship, and that Foxx, fresh off his Oscar win for Ray, arrived on set with a strong sense of self-importance.

Jamie Foxx reportedly insisted on being credited first, expressed concerns that Colin Farrell wasn’t a well-known enough actor to share the screen with, and wouldn’t film scenes involving boats or airplanes. Filming also took place in some risky locations, including the notorious Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.

Production of Miami Vice faced delays due to multiple hurricanes, and director Michael Mann’s insistence on everything being perfect reportedly caused the budget to balloon while creating a tense atmosphere on set. Jamie Foxx became concerned for his safety while filming in the Dominican Republic and left after hearing gunshots nearby, refusing to come back.

When Jamie Foxx had to leave the production, director Michael Mann had to relocate the final scenes of Miami Vice back to Miami, a decision he later said he wished he hadn’t made. Overall, filming was difficult for everyone involved, and the movie was plagued with problems even before its release.

Miami Vice Is Now One Of My Favorite Michael Mann Movies

I didn’t love Miami Vice 2006 when I first saw it, but over time, it really started to appeal to me. I came to understand it wasn’t meant to be a typical, fast-paced police drama—it’s more like an artistic film disguised as a big-budget blockbuster.

The director, much like in all his films, thoroughly researched the topic. He portrays the crimes in Miami Vice with a realistic, almost documentary-like approach. However, he’s particularly interested in the realities of undercover work and how it can challenge people’s sense of right and wrong.

A prime example is Crockett, Farrell’s character, becoming consumed by his undercover persona and developing feelings for the crime boss Isabella (Gong Li). Both characters willingly enter a situation they know isn’t real, but the outcome is still tinged with sadness. Miami Vice unfolds at its own deliberate speed, and its stunning visuals enhance the story rather than distract from it.

While it would have been good to see a stronger bond between Crockett and Tubbs, it’s not a major flaw. The trailer park showdown and the final gunfight are brilliantly directed, typical of Michael Mann’s style. His masterful combination of music and visuals—particularly the use of Linkin Park and Jay-Z’s “Numb / Encore” at the beginning—is truly exceptional.

I used to think Miami Vice was Michael Mann’s worst film, but now I consider it one of his better ones, right up there with Heat and Thief. That’s a big change in my opinion! The movie’s reputation with critics has improved a lot over the last 19 years, and many have now written really positive reviews and articles about it.

So, a direct follow-up to this film never materialized, which is a shame. Instead, we’re getting a Miami Vice reboot with Glen Powell and Michael B. Jordan, slated for 2027. From what I hear, it’s aiming for that same cool, fast-paced buddy-cop vibe everyone wanted back in 2006. Honestly, that makes total business sense, but it doesn’t quite capture the adventurous spirit of what Michael Mann originally tried to do – and that’s what I find a little disappointing.

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2025-12-11 01:11