Miami Blues
Miami Blues
After Junior is released from prison, he plans on starting a new life in Miami. But when he kills a man in the airport, he flees the scene and finds Susie, a mild-mannered prostitute searching for stability. The two opposites become romantically involved, and Junior steals a badge and gun from a veteran detective. Using the officer's identity, Junior embarks on a crime spree and convinces Susie that he is the perfect man.
Mike Martins reviewedJune 19, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Dark, Twisted, and Cool as Hell – A Forgotten ’90s Classic"
Miami Blues (1990) is a hidden gem that perfectly blends crime, dark comedy, and offbeat charm. Alec Baldwin delivers a career-defining performance as Frederick J. Frenger Jr.—a charismatic, unhinged ex-con whose idea of going straight includes impersonating a cop and committing robberies. From the moment he lands in Miami, trouble follows, and it’s an absolute blast to watch unfold.
Baldwin is electric—charming one minute, terrifying the next. His chemistry with Jennifer Jason Leigh, who plays the naive and sweet-hearted hooker with dreams of domestic bliss, adds a surprising layer of emotional depth. And Fred Ward as the grizzled cop Hoke Moseley is the perfect counterbalance: laid-back, grumpy, and tough-as-nails, he steals every scene he’s in.
---
🎬 Inside Info:
Alec Baldwin’s breakout performance: Long before Glengarry Glen Ross and 30 Rock, Baldwin showed off his range here—playing a sociopath with such charisma, you hate yourself for liking him.
Based on Charles Willeford’s cult novel: The film captures the off-kilter tone of Willeford’s writing, embracing the absurdity and chaos of its criminal antihero while still keeping things grounded in emotional stakes.
Directed by George Armitage: Though not a household name, Armitage’s ability to blend genre, tone, and unexpected humor made this film stand out—and it would later influence quirky crime films throughout the ’90s (Pulp Fiction, Out of Sight).
Jennifer Jason Leigh pre-Single White Female: Leigh’s performance here is delicate and sincere—offering one of the most endearing portrayals of a "working girl" in ‘90s cinema.
---
Miami Blues is weird, wild, and wonderful. It’s not just another crime film—it’s a twisted character study full of unexpected heart and jet-black humor. If you’re into movies where nothing goes as planned and everyone’s a little broken, this one is an absolute must-see.
🔥 Underrated. Unpredictable. Unforgettable.