Merrick here...

I really want to like this movie…but I’m not sure what to think about this movie based on what I’ve seen so far…even though I love Michael Mann’s work in general…all of which makes me pretty neurotic and confused…more so than usual, anyway…which I don’t know how to deal with…damn it!

Here’s a test screening report from Jonesy (the Nostromo’s mascot?)

Hello Harry, this is my first time writing in.

I saw a test screening of Michael Mann's MIAMI VICE last night and I gotta say it was pretty good.

The cut we saw was about 2 1/2 hours long with temporary music and sound effects. The beginning sequence where Sonny and Rico were on their latest case seemed a bit confusing and pointless. It didn't really introduce the characters at all and didn't have any effect on rest of the film. I would imagine it would be cut completely, or would have something totally different in its place because it really served no purpose. It's not long though until some undercover FBI agents are outed by one of there own during a drug deal and Sonny and Rico go undercover. That's where the story really begins.

The camera work in this movie is amazing. It's shot in a lot of the same style as Collateral. The shots over water with the speed boats are especially beautiful. There is good solid acting all around, but I think some people might not like some of the dialogue.

Colin's character in particular has a few lines that seem like they're supposed to sound cool, but don't. I didn't mind it though. I thought it added to the realism, which I think is what the film makers were going for...I hope. It was nice to see Michael Mann get away from the television show though. In fact, I think this might appeal to people who weren't fans of the TV show more than people who were. I for one hated the show, but that could have more to do with not being able to stand Don Johnson. Then again, I can't stand Jamie Foxx either. But I could deal with him here. Jamie Foxx's character was the more sensible out of the two. Colin was the more dangerous one. Like Lethal Weapon but to a lesser extent.

The biggest problem I had with the movie was the plot. It was pretty straight forward and predictable. It was good, I just would have liked a little more mystery or some twists. The action in the movie leans more on the realistic side of things.There's no over the top car chases or explosions. I found that aspect of it to be quite refreshing.

Overall I thought it was pretty good, but with proper editing it could be a great. Maybe not The Last Of The Mohicans great, but great.

One interesting thing to note here is that one of the more recent reviews we ran of this film specified a running time of 2:15. So...what...Mann added 15 minutes back into the movie? He's toying with different versions?

I'm not sure what's up, although I smell several edits of this project in our DVD futures.