Miami Vice

[marywebgirl]

I didn't realize it's not set in the 80s. It seems sort of pointless to update it.

[kafka]

Sounds like filming, Foxx and Mann were all nightmares, and the set plagued by "near-biblical woes."

Miami, we have a problem (make that several problems): Where to begin? Take these rumors with an ounce of smuggled cocaine — er, a grain of salt — but reports indicate a set not merely troubled, but plagued ("near-biblical woes," according to one media outlet).

— Three hurricanes (Katrina, Wilma and Rita) delayed the production schedule, as did Mann's endless script rewrites.

— While filming in the Dominican Republic, a man allegedly pulled a gun on production security staff, who promptly shot and wounded the would-be interloper. Following the incident, Foxx packed up and left mid-production, refusing to shoot additional scenes outside the United States. This meant that Mann had to rewrite the film's ending so that it took place in Miami.

— Mutiny, anyone? Mann is reputed to be imperious, obsessive, tantrum-prone, exacting and aloof. Others attest to his brilliance. One crew member told Slate.com that Mann kept the crew working around the clock, and that he "humiliated everybody." Staff turnover was constant; more than 100 crew members reportedly quit. (A studio spokesman conceded that filming wasn't "for the weak of spirit or the weak of heart."

— There were stories of infighting between the stars.

— Word from the set was that the hard-partying Farrell was highly professional and willing to do whatever he was told; Foxx, fresh from his Oscar-win, reportedly behaved like a diva, traveling with an entourage, demanding a pay raise and refusing to fly commercial.

— The budget? Estimates are that it swelled from around $120 million to well over $150 million.

— Advance buzz indicates there's more vice than virtue to the film. Mann was said to be editing until the last minute, but even so, "he would have to pull off a miracle to make it work," one source told Roger Friedman of foxnews.com, who gossips online that the film is a "good-looking empty shell," "a stinker," and "a dud."

[pennygwoods]

I'm one of like...four people living who can't stand Naomie Harris (or Jamie Foxx), so between this and PotC (Tia Dalma!?), I hope we can finally put that fugly, no-talent broad out to sea.

[Binky]

I think it will beat out Pirates, just because it's the only new summer action flick that looks like any kind of fun. It'd be funny if it beat Pirates its first week out, and then Pirates resurged because this one proves to be a steamy hot crap.

[Deleted]

It seems slightly ironic to me that the only person who apparently behaved themselves during filming was Colin Farrell. I knew I liked him for a reason.

I'll be seeing it this weekend, but really only for the air conditioning in the theater.

[Deleted]

I find Jamie Foxx completely repulsive and ridiculous. It would've been so much better if Terrance Howard played Tubbs. Isn't he friends with Colin Farrell? Maybe he was busy or something.

[mugatu]

That's the one thing I've consistantly always heard about Colin, is that no matter what he would be doing the night before, he'd always show up on time to set, ready to work. Supposedly he's been sober 6 months and you can tell, he looks like normal, hot Colin again.

I want to see the movie, but I'll probably wait til video.

[Neurochick]

pennygwoods said:

I'm one of like...four people living who can't stand Naomie Harris (or Jamie Foxx), so between this and PotC (Tia Dalma!?), I hope we can finally put that fugly, no-talent broad out to sea.

Guess you didn't like "28 Days Later."

[codert]

nusan said:

Here's what The Hollywood Reporter had to say.

Bottom line: The visuals are arresting, but Michael Mann's update on the quintessentially '80s series is an otherwise glum and glummer proposition.

I saw the movie last night and I agree with their review.

There were a couple parts including Colin that I really liked but I could have done without Jamie Foxx. Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas were such a pretty couple.

Since they kept the name they should have done something similar to the 80's tv show. Show me a flamingo, give me some Glenn Frey music...........something.

In the end there were some unexpected entertaining parts but I'm glad I got to see it for free.

[Mutagen]

Well, I saw it last night. It was way too freakin' long, but not bad. It's not nearly the shitstorm it's rumored to be, in my opinion, although it hardly justifies the apocalyptic production and budget. Basically, it was like the movie version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Which isn't totally a bad thing.

I actually have to say I wish the movie had focused on Jamie Foxx more. I know the guy's a raving diva asshole, but in the movie itself, he did have more "gravitas" than Farrell, at least in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, Farrell wasn't bad -- the fact that I actually believed an affair between him and Gong Li (!!!!!) is a testament to something -- but his character was responsible for a lot of the sidetracks that contributed to the movie's length, and I just. stopped. caring. Maybe I just didn't have time to get sick of Foxx's character?

On the other hand, Gong Li is pretty much the living embodiment of screen presence in this movie. There is no question why she is one of China's top actresses. Even when she's saying nothing, you can't take your eyes off her. This is fortunate, because her English... could use some work. It really pains me to say that because a) I love her and b) most American actors would fare way worse if they had to learn Chinese. But it does make her difficult to understand at times.

Oh also, I thought Jose Yero was cute.