Review by bob the moo

A collection of talking heads and clips that discuss the nature of undercover work in relation to the narrative arch in the 2006 remake of Miami Vice. Despite being bored rigid by the film itself, I decided to watch this as it offered more insight from those in the business rather than just being a promo for the film itself – or at least so I hoped. In fairness half this short film is interesting as it does have contributions from people who are current or former undercover agents and they just about talk enough about what they do to make the film worth seeing.

Of course, it cannot be anything but a promo for Miami Vice and although this weakens it, it should not be a surprise to anyone to learn this! I seriously doubt those looking for a serious documentary about the perils of being an undercover agent would be looking for it on the extras menu of the Miami Vice DVD. This side of the film dominates it sadly and it can be seen in the way that director Mann has as much to say about undercover work as those that actually do it. This sidelines the bits that are real and interesting and indeed, at one point, turns them into little more than a reality TV style joke at Colin Farrell's expense.

A vaguely interesting short film then but really nothing more than a promo using the undercover hook as yet another way of promoting the film. All very ho-hum then and I would have much preferred a serious documentary on the subject with minimal input from the cast and crew of the film, but that was probably hoping for too much considering what the film itself was like.