The Director's Series: Michael Mann, No. 3


Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

Miami Vice (2006)
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell, Naomie Harris, Gong Li, and John Ortiz
Director: Michael Mann
About: Mann was a producer of the original Miami Vice TV series. I was a little young for that to have been a formative part of my TV life, though I had seen it. Still, from the moment I saw the trailer, I knew this would be for me. Mann has a great style and a great knack with action sequences. All of that comes into play with this film. I know some didn't love it, but I was captivated by the storytelling style and the craft. And when those action sequences come, they hit hard. I realize that Foxx and Farrell had off-screen issues, but their performance here works. They are great in these roles and this story moves at a great pace. And the cover of In the Air Tonight leading up to the big climax is a chef's kiss. I love Mann's style, and this film is all about the style. It's an under-rated gem.

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