The Mighty Quinn

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.

A wealthy white resort owner is found dead in his hotel on the island of Jamaica. When Chief Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) investigates he's met with resistance and simply told to find Maubee (Robert Townsend). Quinn, not willing to simply turn away, pursues the investigation further much to the disapproval of the governor as well as Elgin (James Fox), another white bigwig.

Based upon the book "Finding Maubee", it's an intriguing murder mystery with a Jamaican flare. There aren't many twists and turns but neither is the crime clear cut. The movie primarily follows Quinn through his surreptitious investigation as well as his family and woman troubles. The movie is easy to watch, easy to follow, plus you get to hear Denzel do his best Jamaican impression.

Do you want to be magically transported to the islands? Do you want to hear raggae music that's out of this world? Do you want to see Denzel's beautiful brown skin against an all white uniform? The Mighty Quinn's got all three plus a pretty decent plot and some pretty well known actors. Robert Townsend is great as the wily Maubee, Mimi Rogers is convincing as a damsel in distress and Sheryl Lee Ralph showcases her talents as both an actress and a singer. But perhaps the best part of this movie, in my opinion, is Denzel's character Xavier. Oh yes he looks sexy, as he always does. But more that that it's the way he embodies a role so much so that by the end of the movie you can't tell him from smooth tongued Jamaican police officer that he's playing. Catch it one late night on television reruns and I bet you'll get caught up. You'll never feel the same way about a Jamaican accent again.

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.

"The Mighty Quinn" is one of those movies that isn't a masterpiece by any stretch, but is interesting for what it shows. In this case, we get to see Jamaica, where sheriff Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) is investigating a murder and trying to clear his friend Maubee's (Robert Townsend) name. One of the most interesting scenes is when someone escapes from a house by climbing through the tin roof. Now there's a look at the Caribbean! Probably the best part of this movie is the soundtrack. Considering that it happens in the Caribbean, you know that there's got to be some great music. And you won't be disappointed. Like I said, "The Mighty Quinn" isn't a great movie or anything, but it's interesting for what it shows. See it if possible.