Artivels Undescribable Perfection

Dotsthavesp I wanted to but couldn't!

Konterr Brilliant and touching

Suman Roberson It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

Tweekums Chief Xavier Quinn is in charge of policing on a relaxed, unnamed Caribbean island. He doesn't expect too much trouble but that changes when a body is found in a Jacuzzi. The victim has had his throat cut so it is clearly murder. Plenty of people are keen to point the finger of blame at Maubee, a local ne'er-do-well who was also a childhood friend of Quinn. There is also an unseemly desire to wrap the case up as quickly as possible; the owner of the hotel complex where the man was killed doesn't want his other guests upset and the island's governor doesn't want the tourist industry damaged. Quinn however is determined to properly investigate the case properly and as he does so he crosses paths with a Central American hit-man, a dodgy CIA operative and a case full of US $10,000 bills.If you are looking for a gritty cop drama then this isn't the film for you; however if you want a fun, fairly light mystery then you could do a lot worse. The film nicely captures the feel of island life; all the locals appear to know each other, the pace of life is more relaxed, the scenery looks great and the sea inviting. The central mystery is interesting and while somethings can be guessed others are not too obvious. Denzel Washington does a solid job as Quinn, any time his accent slips slightly can be explained since we are told he spent three years in the US military and a year studying at Quantico. Also notable are James Fox, who plays the obnoxious hotel owner; Mimi Rogers who plays his wife; M. Emmet Walsh, who plays the dodgy CIA man and Norman Beaton, who plays the governor. Robert Townsend is also great as the elusive Maubee, he steals every scene he is in as this larger than life character. The film has a good soundtrack that adds to the Caribbean feel and some solid if mostly unspectacular action… not that it is the sort of film that demands lots of action. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to anybody wanting an undemanding mystery set in a scenic location.

BarryPepper This movie was great. Plenty of action and great acting sums up this masterpiece in movie history. Denzel Washington had a believable accent and very cool scenes. The fact that almost everyone in this movie were American actors playing Jamaican roles really made this movie what it is. The mystery made this movie a thrill ride and plenty of beautiful scenery. Robert Townsend gave this movie the bonus of comedy and the huge manhunt going to find him. Denzel Washington makes want to watch this movie over and over again in some of the dazzling action scenes and the great Jamaican signing.

yayamagic This is an easy movie to like.I love Maubee's mystery and his history with Xavier. I love Xavier's uniform and his relationship with all islanders.Even when Maubee is tearing down the house, he has a smile on his face. Even when Xavier forgets to pick up his son and finds him hours later, alone and in the dark, it's not the end of the world, the child is entertaining himself and he forgives his father - easily.These island inhabitants are comfortable to watch. What my grandmother would have called "easy in their skin.""Don't you know this is a goin' down road?"I love that line.And I love a place that would designate a mountain road "a goin' down" road during certain parts of the day.Also, this rendition of Bob Dylan "Mighty Quinn" is the easiest version to my ears.

flimbuff Washington plays a very low keyed Island cop who has a murder and some wealthy people to deal with if he wants to solve it. The if involves some racial and money overtones that would seem to put him over his head. Excellent supporting cast led by Walsh and Townsend make this a very good and underrated film.