richard-fieldhouse
Released in 1989, The Mighty Quinn is currently rated as Denzel Washington's 46th best movie (on IMDB). I'm not saying it's bad but it's never going to become a classic and it is starting to show its age a little. Denzel plays Xavier Quinn, the police chief on a Caribbean island where some stereotypical eccentricities are maybe rather over-emphasised. He's very dashing in his formal uniform and while out of favour with his wife, he's still not short of admirers. His not-so-smooth life is then even more disturbed by a murder at a smart local hotel. The powers that be seem rather too keen to close down the investigation fast and pin the blame on Maubee - a colourful ne'er-do-well who was also Quinn's childhood friend. A role that gives Robert Townsend plenty of scope to enjoy himself. Denzel himself, though, is perhaps at his 46th best. What in later his roles becomes a cool stillness, here sometimes just looks a little stiff. His Jamaican accent also occasionally wanders and his singing is a departure.Don't be totally put off though. Denzel is still easy to watch and it's a gently diverting classic murder mystery set in a colourful community and beautiful scenery. 6/10
lost-in-limbo
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".
whpratt1
Always enjoy the great acting of Denzel Washington, who plays the role as Xavier Quinn, police chief in the Jamaican community and is very serious trying to uphold the law and order. However, he encounters a homicide and intends to deal with this case strictly by the book and has great problems with all the local politicians and his friends. Robert Townsend,(Maubee) plays the role of a carefree individual who does just what he pleases and mostly the wrong side of the law and is constantly laughing at strait laced Xavier Quinn. James Fox, (Thomas Elgin) and Mimi Rogers, (Hadley Elgin) give great supporting roles. This is not exactly the greatest film but with the great talents of Robert Townsend and Denzel Washington it is a worthwhile film to view and enjoy.
Martin Onassis
I read a previous comment calling this movie boring, so I had to respond. While this movie is far from perfect, it is a great afro-centric murder mystery set on a Caribbean island. It shares aspects with Marlon Brando's Burn in that the locals fall victims to the whims and greed of white colonial, in this case, American exploits. This film was made in 1989, during a black cultural rebirth that included Spike Lee films and the political rap band Public Enemy. This film fits into that category and is unapologetic in its portrayals. If you can't handle the reality of colonialism and intervention then you cant handle this film. Its not much wonder this film isn't seen often, just like Brando's Burn, and Ben Gazarra's high Velocity, two other films that plumb honestly colonial politics and tragedy, long past and recent.
AD
