The Mighty Quinn (1989)

How sad is this?

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Oh the song from Manfred Mann does cop a work out from time to time, but that's one of its many colourful elements as Denzel Washington stars as a police chief Quinn of a small Caribbean island who begins an investigation after the death of an American tourist in a resort. The evidence leads to his shady childhood friend Maubee (an enigmatic Robert Townsend), which starts to cause a ripple within all levels of the island society. However Quinn believes there's more to it, as there seems to be some sort of cover-up occurring and this means that its less likely his friend was involved. Boasting a strong title, "The Mighty Quinn" is a humidly standard investigative thriller that examines human nature, but in doing so it feels a little too unfocused in its narrative structure by going off in many different paths. Espionage to family issues, throw in goofy humour and of course the musical interludes. Appealing in parts, especially since it captures the bouncy, carefree atmosphere of its culture and the dazzling backdrop is a character itself. However it does lack suspense when it tries to go for broke, because of its charmingly laid-back vibe and foreseeable storytelling. Even though you have everyone nearly acting suspicious and plot tries to be tricky it doesn't hide the fact it's easy to read. There's a capable cast in James Fox, M Emmet Walsh, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mimi Rogers and Art Evans, but they seem like in a holidaying mood. Carl Schenkel's direction has a stylish verve to it. Charming, but unremarkable thriller. "He knows the cops are after him, and the man is bang into the fourth dimension".

I never tire of watching this movie. It is one of my favorites, and a great showcase for Denzel Washington. He gets to be the cool-headed Chief of Police that takes no crap from the rich white folks and, at the same time, is the butt of jokes from his own people.The cast of characters all add to this interesting mystery set in Jamaica. Robert Townsend shows his amazing versatility as the childhood friend of Washington and the chief suspect in a murder. Mimi Rogers is just luscious as the philandering spouse of James Fox, the man who wants Washington to go away and stop doing his job. M. Emmet Walsh makes the perfect government hit man, who is after missing $10,000 bills. Then, there is Sheryl Lee Ralph as Washington's wife. When she sings "(I'm) Hurting Inside," you know it's true. Then she sings the title song as a dig at her husband. But, the whole film has a continuous soundtrack of fantastic music that adds island charm to the laughs and seduction and fun.It is the next best thing to a trip to Jamaica.

I just discovered this movie a week or two ago. It is really fun! That's more than can be said for lots of movies these days. I am surprised that people have not commented on the three blind men following one another as they tap their way through one of the scenes. A real "nod" to James Bond's Dr. No. This is just one of the surprises in this very entertaining movie. Denzel Washington was excellent. The film is full of interesting, quirky characters and some great dialogue as well. It is also good to see location filming in a place that is not often seen in films any more. This is really an old fashioned type of film with a sense of life and warmth in it.

Truly love this movie - it has a great location, wonderful music, and an all-star cast. The Mighty Quinn brings me to "the islands". Who wouldn't want to be Maubee? Everyone can relate to someone in this film. I don't approve, but I couldn't believe there were two scenes where women were slapped (not seen too much on any media). This is a great movie to rent on a rainy day, and after you return head to the music store and get the soundtrack.