I poliziotti dell'ottava strada: Miami Super Cops

One more time.

Terence Hill and Bud Spencer are perhaps the number one action comedy Italian duo of all times. Following a prolific career that started with Spaghetti Western films (soon to be reviewed here) they moved on into action packed films set in the 70's and 80's. All of their films had a feeling of being slightly inspired by mayor blockbusters but with them as the main stars, every film had a unique flavor that tastes sweet and light up until today. I poliziotti dell'ottava strada (The cops from 8th Street) AKA, Miami Supercops, marks the last time the couple worked together in the 80's. Some people have called this film as the last entry in a non official trilogy known as the "Miami Cops Trilogy" where 1977's Crime Buster would be the first entry, 1980's Superfuzz Terence hill solo film would be the sequel and today's entry would mark the closing chapter. However, none of the three films share characters or stories whatsoever.

Once again Hill & Spencer are the stars of the show. In the late 70's they used to be FBI agents working together solving one case after another until 1978, where $20 millions were stolen from a Detroit bank. One of the robbers was caught, one was found dead, and the third one disappeared. The money was never found. Seven years later, the robber who was caught was released from jail. Now FBI agents Doug Bennet (Terence Hill) and Steve Forest (Bud Spencer) have been called in to investigate the case while posing as Miami police officers. Unfortunately, Forest is long retired and he spends his days on his flight school. However, cunning Bennet has him convinced quickly to return to his former job.

Wanna kick some ass again?

As cops no one will notice us.

Joe Garret (Richard Liberty) wastes no time after being released and he flies to Miami, apparently to meet up with a former partner in crime who would give him his share of the $20 Million dollar steak. Nevertheless, a mysterious attack sends Garret six feet under in no time. 

Having nowhere to start our heroes, meet Charro (William "Bo" Jim) a former inmate and partner in crime with Garret who's gone clean ever since. With little information they start completing the puzzle of Garret's death and eventually find the other criminals who may still have the $20 million. 

For connoisseurs of Terence Hill & Bud Spencer, this film marks the last time they worked together in the 80's. Miami Supercops, has been negatively criticized and referred to as "the reason they parted ways". Critics from all sides stated that this film was cursed from the beginning because it did not offer anything new in Hill & Spencer's career. The jokes, the action sequences, the plot, and the characters have all been seen before and finally the joke was on them becoming a cliche. 

Do we still have some time for a quickie threesome?

Sorry, we're straights.

What does the professionally trained S.P.A.M. Alternative team think about this film? Truth be told, most of the people who have bashed this movie probably didn't even watch it. Hill & Spencer although older, are still at their prime and deliver kick ass action as always. The rest of the cast delivers a fairly good acting (unlike critics claiming they act like TV ad people or Z movies) The presence of Irene (Jackie Castellano) & Anabella (Rhonda S. Lundstead) as the female sidekicks of our heroes add a refreshing touch to their long time duo career. In addition, the bad guy Ralph Duran (Ken Ceresne) delivers an excellent portrait of a rich guy with corrupt powerful friends. 

The score/soundtrack has also been criticized as "too 80's" what the fuck man? the film was made in the 80's! what did you expect? Some people have even compared the music to playing Arcade games with annoying music, c'mon dudes! everyone who was lucky to be alive in the late 70's and early 80's Arcade frenzy knows there wasn't a single game with annoying music! they were all cool because they were simple and yet extremely fun to play!

Anyways, the music is coherent with the 80's and adds a dose of energy for each scene whether quite paced or fast paced.

You didn't pay! we saw you!

Let's call it quits pal.

Now, does Miami Supercops qualify as one of their top 10 movies? For sure! the flick gives us all the elements of a film a la Hill & Spencer. The laughter, the jokes, the action, the fights, the be a good person lesson, the magnificent Miami scenery seen in most of their movies. In a nutshell everything that makes this a classic entry in their filmography is right there. Perhaps critics were expecting something different, something new or even something innovative that wasn't on their career. However, this legendary Italian duo knows what works best for them and no one can do it any better. 

Overall, the final entry in their extended list of action movies filmed in Miami during the 70's & 80's. Despite being their last collaboration in the decade they did return for more in 1994 for Trouble Makers. Hill & Spencer pursued a solo career in the 80's with some hit and miss movies BUT their magic worked best when they were together. Every fan of the duo knows their movies are meant for pure entertainment not for deep shit like some other film makers like to do. If it's entertainment you're looking for, this movie will not only deliver, but also will take you back to the wonderful 80's where police serials and police movies were the next big thing. Just don't call them a rip-off  because fuck you, that's why! long live Terence Hill & Bud Spencer (who are still acting in Italy by the way)

Here's the movie trailer: