Just perfect...

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

A year ago I reviewed the Hallmark's 'Love Comes Softly' film series and I wanted to come up with a different franchise and now I'm here with this cop story. After watching 'Maigret Sets a Trap', I found this and got interested, so I'm going to give a series of reviews in my next for this franshise.It was based on the detective novels written by Robert B. Parker. Right now there are 9 films in the series and still many more to come in the coming years. Originally made for CBS network and these films are usually R rated for drugs, violence, nudity and other strong contents, that's expected from a cop theme. Unlike the last year's G and PG television films, these are for adults and sometimes suits matured teens.This is the pilot episode in the Jesse Stone film series, but an adaptation of the fourth book. Because you know the first impression is very important in any field, especially in the art and entertainment. So they had thought it was strong enough to get the large number of viewers and now it is a successful franchise with a good number of fan base. Don't worry about the proper introduction, at a relaxed atmosphere, it's set to begin with a simple crime solving plot.Sets in a small fictitious town called Paradise, but revolved around the title character Jesse Stone that beautifully played by Tom Selleck. The film opened with a mysterious death of a man whose body was found near the seashore early morning by a commuter. In a casual way Jesse enters the scene and begins his work. He finds no clue, but shelters the dead man's dog in his marsh house.The very next day another case lands in his hand. Due to its sensitiveness, goes unregistered where he has to deal it differently. A few days later when another identical death follows, the town becomes a bit tense and forces him to pick up the pace of the investigation. But he calmly draws a strategic plan to find who did it and nab him. So what comes next is the final act where an interesting twist takes place before concluding the tale stylishly."I'm the police chief. I know everything."Jesse is a unique character, like from the similar top cop films. But that is only from this very first film's impression, lets wait and see how different he's in the other films. Here he does not wear the uniform, drinks a lot during off the duty, no serious friends or any families and always gives a straightforward reply, but very honest, particularly when it comes to his profession. By the end of the film, you might learn about him and his qualities, but still there are lots of things remains a mystery and those are going to be clarified in the following films, I suppose.Made for the television, yet this is quite a remarkable quality. Even if it was released on the big screen, no one would have complained seriously on anything. I think wonderfully written screenplay and concentrated only those what matters, especially being the first film to keep very simple as much as possible. The length was good, just near the 90 minutes. But overall pace was excellent, particularly all the character development which actually lacked, except Jesse, but somewhat becomes familiar during the midway and makes easier by the end to follow it.To be frank, I anticipated an average flick, but surprised for its biggest entry in the first film itself. Here the 'biggest' means the style, the trademark it sets and to come back in the installments possibly maintain the same throughout the series. The director did good and so his actors, especially the supporting cast well backed the Selleck to it in a lead right path. The New England's misty weather adds the perfect flavour for this crime-mystery-drama.It actually holds no mystery, particularly about the suspect. For the viewers, it is revealed in the early stage itself, but still it managed to get our full attention drawing the other way of the story how the cops and suspect confront without disclosing their identities to each other. This is where the original writer, the author should be appreciated for his good work.I have said many times and I'm saying it again that I'm not a reader, but I love watching literature based films and I'm happy they have made this one, otherwise I would have missed such a cool detective story. If you are like me, then you should give it a try. But remember I might sometimes overexcited during reviewing the films, so I might be praising a lot, but still this film worth those mentions I did. It's a terrific beginning and I hope the next film as well remains the same level. So guys I will meet you in there.8/10

The challenge for actors that star in popular long-running TV shows is that they become forever fused to their character, sometimes called "type-cast". Most middle-age audiences will forever think of Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum of the 1980's hit show Magnum PI. But Selleck, after-all, is an actor, not Thomas Magnum. He was an actor playing a part, and after the series ended, Selleck had to find new roles to conquer Unfortunately, directors are often reluctant to cast actors with strong associations with a particular television role. Luckily, for the film Stone Cold, Selleck offers a presence quite distinct from the happy-go-lucky Hawiian-shirted private detective who sported a Ferrari. Here, Selleck walks in the shoes of a far darker, even introspective, character in a small town in rural Massachusetts.Although their occupations are similar, a young independent private detective versus an LA cop in the twilight of his career, Jesse Stone and Thomas Magnum are quite polar opposites. Magnum would crack jokes, score with beautiful women, and put down the bad guys all under a blazing Hawiian sun. In Stone Cold, the gloomy mists off of Cape Cod are the backdrop to a haunting but compelling story of a tired urban investigator tracking senseless serial killings in a town where the entire police force is barely four people.There is a very deliberate but tempered pace to the film which matches the feel of a small New England community that is quite removed from the hurry and worry of New York or LA. Nothing is rushed. Just as the locals walk at a slow but steady pace through their neighborhood, this film also is a very one-step-at-a-time story. I felt like the the filmmakers wanted you to see and feel the fog-ridden ocean, the quiet streets, and crisp air of New England life as much as the other aspects of the story.All in all, a satisfying viewing experience, with an outstanding performance by Selleck. And it looks as though the character of Jesse Stone continues in new films. Selleck has found a new niche that is an appropriate sequel to the TV show of his younger days. Jesse Stone is a very different kind of Thomas Magnum.

In the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts, the experienced Chief of Police Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck) is investigating a murder and a rape case. When a series of murders happen with the same "modus-operandi", Jesse discloses the identity of the killers. However, without the motive, proof or weapon, he has to wait for an opportunity to catch the murderers."Stone Cold' is a surprisingly good thriller, with an efficient direction, cold but beautiful cinematography and excellent screenplay with great lines, situations and characters. The most impressive is that the identities of the killers are disclosed in the very beginning of the film and they do not have a motive for their insane behavior. This simple, low paced and realistic thriller is centered in the dark, flawed and silent character of Jesse Stone, magnificently performed by Tom Selleck. Jesse is a suffered man with a past in Los Angeles, cynical, amoral, with drinking problems, that does not express his real emotions, but with a warm heart and great sense of justice. Mimi Rogers is also amazing in the role of the cynical lawyer Rita Fiore, and in spite of a minor participation, she steals the scenes that she participates. The support cast is stunning and it is impossible and unfair to highlight only a name, since the individual and collective performances are outstanding. This made-for-TV movie is better and better than many feature films. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Crimes no Paraíso" ("Crimes in the Paradise")

Being a long time Selleck fan, I bought the DVD at the local wallyworld without having heard anything about it. (I watch no TV whatsoever). I enjoyed the movie so much that I promptly ordered all of Robert Parker's Jesse Stone novels and read them. I had never read any of his work except one of the Spenser novels some years ago. I have to say, I enjoyed the movie much more than I did the novels. Generally, my experience has been the obverse. I think they were wise to delete what I felt was an excessive dwelling on the main character's drinking and obsessing over his ex-wife. In fact, in the novels he is a virtual doormat to her, and enters into a number of sexual liaisons that would be extremely risky for any investigator, and particularly for a police chief. Selleck does a great job as the generally unflappable but internally tormented Jesse Stone. Kudos for the casting. The two villains, Jane Adams and Reg Rodgers, do a great job although their screen time is relatively limited. Excellent directing, photography and musical score, too.