Quick Links
- Miami Vice Is One of the Most Iconic Crime Series of All Time
- Rebel Ridge Is a New Netflix Action Thriller
- Don Johnson’s Rebel Ridge Character and Miami Vice Connection
As a film critic who grew up watching the iconic series “Miami Vice” and being a fan of Don Johnson’s captivating portrayal of James “Sonny” Crockett, it was a delight to see him return to the screen as a police chief in “Rebel Ridge.
It’s not unusual to see actors reprising similar roles or even being stereotyped, as Michael Cera often portrays awkward teenagers, Michelle Rodriguez tends to play strong-willed women, and Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, and Vin Diesel are regularly cast as indomitable tough guys.
It’s less common when an actor takes up his old role again after a gap of 40 years, but that’s exactly what Don Johnson did, returning to the iconic series Miami Vice and portraying a cop in the latest Netflix movie Rebel Ridge. And he carried a touch of the past with him.
Miami Vice Is One of the Most Iconic Crime Series of All Time
Miami Vice is undoubtedly the top cop series ever made. The story revolves around two vice detectives, James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas), who delve deep into the criminal underworld of Miami. Their mission involves tackling drug trafficking and prostitution, frequently culminating in intense gunfights at the conclusion of each episode. The series is characterized by stylish cars, wardrobes, and weaponry. It was a trailblazer in entertainment, offering something fresh; it skillfully integrated contemporary music hits and iconic theme tracks, and showcased James Crockett’s fashion flair particularly distinctively.
The series, spanning five seasons, earned widespread acclaim and numerous honors. Among its accolades were four Emmys, two Golden Globes, two Grammys, two People’s Choice awards, and a staggering 33 other nominations throughout its broadcast. People Magazine hailed it as the first series to look truly innovative since color television was introduced, a remarkable recognition. A film adaptation hit theaters in 2006, featuring Colin Farrell as James Crockett and Jamie Foxx as Ricardo Tubbs.
Rebel Ridge Is a New Netflix Action Thriller
The Netflix action thriller Rebel Ridge has been the talk of the cinema world in the past few weeks. Starring Aaron Pierre, it tells the story of a Black man, Terry Richmond, who gets stopped in his car by police while on his way to post bail for his cousin. The police officer seizes the money, but Richmond, having lost almost everything, goes on a quest to get his money back and unearth the rampant corruption in the small town with the help of a court clerk, Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb). But the police chief and his goons will not let them do so easily.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that watching “Rebel Ridge” felt like a breath of fresh air in the action thriller genre this year. Jeremy Saulnier’s masterful direction not only created an intense and gripping atmosphere but also showcased Pierre delivering the performance of his career. He truly embodied a man unyielding in his defiance, revealing the sinister side of law enforcement. The script was also top-notch, skillfully building tension and keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Read Our Review
Don Johnson’s Rebel Ridge Character and Miami Vice Connection
In a different scenario, if Johnson portrayed a charismatic cop in Miami Vice, it’s quite distinct in Rebel Ridge. His character now suits an older police chief who prefers the existing order and is ready to go to great lengths to safeguard himself and his officers, as opposed to the boat-living, Ferrari-driving, alligator-keeping undercover cop he played four decades ago. Yet, the two characters share a common aspect: they both wield a Bren Ten pistol. This iconic Miami Vice gun reappears in Johnson’s hands in Rebel Ridge, albeit with a slightly altered appearance, as the one in Rebel Ridge has a blued steel body and wooden grip instead.
The Bren Ten was manufactured between 1983 and 1986, but production was halted due to issues with some guns being shipped without functional or absent magazines. Despite its reputation as one of the top pistols during that period, only about 1500 units were produced, making it a rare find. Given these facts, it seems unusual to feature this specific firearm (and particularly prominently, even in the trailer) in Rebel Ridge, suggesting it may have been intentionally included as a nod to fans of the actors. Regardless, using an antique gun for a traditional older chief of police appears appropriate.
40 years separates the productions of Miami Vice and Rebel Ridge, but both series feature Don Johnson as a police officer who carries an uncommon Bren Ten pistol. It’s intriguing to see the actor reprise his role as a cop, even with a distinctly different character, and wield his old firearm once more. In fact, he expressed interest in returning to Miami Vice if given the opportunity, as stated in a recent interview. You can purchase Miami Vice on Prime Video and Apple TV, while Rebel Ridge is currently streaming on Netflix.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-09-12 02:31