Posted on Thursday, August 10th, 2006 at 10:18 pm by Philip Devitt
Was enticed by the lovely Angela to watch Miami Vice yesterday, I believe her main reason for wanting to see the film was based entirely on Colin Farrell taking one of the lead roles. I do have a vague memory of the TV show from the 80’s; fast cars, flash suits, highly tanned female forms and the cool synthesised music — but don’t ask me if I can remember the plot of any single episode.
When it comes to the 2006 remake they’ve still got the cars, they’ve still got the suits and they’ve retained the tanned babes, even the music, albeit different, isn’t too bad. Remarkably they’ve also developed a plotline which, rather like the original series, is entirely unmemorable, presumably this is so “Miami Vice 2: Bigger Boats for the Buoys” can share not only the same cast but also the same story.
The main element of the film which leaves a “no friggin’ way” doubt in your mind is the presence of Farrell’s facial hair; when the film started my first thought was that the director had made the extremely bold move of making a gay Crockett — sure, it would have given the film a marginally wider audience, but it feels out of character with the 80’s original. I almost expected Don Johnson to jump out of the scenery with a razor in an effort to diminish the mockery of a character that made him a household name. Farrell definately got the dodgier ‘tache but at least he got the most shagging; although I imagine Farrell probably insisted on so much hetro action after seeing the facial fuzz that he’d be forced to wear.
If you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket and absolutely nothing to do then go and see the film, but don’t expect too much from it. There were several moments in the film where dialogue between the main characters didn’t seem to make sense; they used English words but I didn’t have any grasp of the semantics or context, presumably this is because I’m not an undercover member of the vice squad. The plot was extremely predictable and I just got the feeling that I’d seen the film before.
Wait to rent the DVD or watch it when it hits satellite/cable.
Posted on Wednesday, January 18th, 2006 at 12:47 am by Philip Devitt
From out of the heavens a voice of great power and majesty spake unto me,
“And let thee check’eth thine logs of web, for opportunities missed shall be glimpsed”
I just assumed it was just another whiskey induced halucination; similar to those visitations of Jimi Hendrix and Jerry Lee that I’ve experienced in the past. But no, this was real. The logs revealed that some people out there in Internet land are still interested in obtaining the “Unseen Countdown” and the “Starwars” footage supplied by the kind folks at LimpFish.com. For those special people I’ve relocated the files in their original location, so your links will work again. For those who wish to see these video masterpieces for the first time take a look at the links below… Beware, content may not be suitable for the very young.
Click here for the unseen Star Wars footage [MPEG] [3GP]
“Unseen Countdown” merchandise now available in the Gallery section.
Posted on Saturday, January 7th, 2006 at 2:59 am by Philip Devitt
While considering a future in digital film and media production I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I don’t really have a chance of ever becoming one of the greats. It’s not because I feel that I lack the talent. Neither is it because I’m deficient in the mental bus fare needed to cope with the battlefield that even a simple production can throw upon you. No. After analysis of recent directors it has become apparent that the only way to get ahead in the business is to grow a beard. Think about it…
That’s not forgetting directors such as Francis Ford Copolla and the much underrated Kevin Smith (of “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob” fame).
Some would say that the obvious solution given the evidence would be to throw away my razor and let nature take its furry course, and I would be inclined to agree with you. Unfortunately I have been cursed by the ginger-gene, this shame sadly prevents me from growing that which would provide me true greatness.
PS. Pete, If you’re looking for someone to get your coffee’s while on set, just drop me an email.
