I have mixed feelings about these Jesse Stone movies. First, Robert B. Parker knew how to structure a mystery. But I get tired of Jesse feeling sorry for himself and drinking too much. Such a worn-down, hackneyed cliche and such a lame use of that cliche. Other shows have done it better. And I doubt if lovely young women are drawn to Jesse. He's way older and he has that hang-dog expression. How is that appealing? Do they want to rescue him from being pathetic? How is that appealing? But I do love Jesse's humanity. In one episode (this one, perhaps), Jesse rescues a teenage girl from her boozing mother. Nicely done. Good for you, Jesse. That is appealing, to me, at least. Like any good detective, Jesse sticks to an investigation until he solves the mystery. That is satisfying. Always. Saves the series from obscurity. Overall, I give the Jesse Stone series a C+. Watchable but not essential.
... View MoreTom Selleck took some time away from Blue Bloods to return to playing a different kind of cop in Jesse Stone: Lost In Paradise. Selleck is on some vacation time and Leslie Hope from the state police homicide squad asks him to look into a murder in his jurisdiction, but to report to her.Serial killer Luke Perry has the killing of 3 Boston area prostitutes to his account, but has refused to take credit for the fourth killing where the forensics are a match. Selleck and Perry have a couple of scenes with him questioning the incarcerated Perry who will make your skin crawl in a Hannibal the Cannibal like fashion. Other than the climax these scenes are the acting highlight of the film.If in fact the forensics match and what Perry says is true, there's only one explanation and its a conclusion that Selleck dreads to arrive at. You'll figure it out early on as well so it won't be that much of a mystery.There's a whole big difference in playing the brooding loner Jesse Stone and the patriarch of a law enforcement family like the Reagans in Blue Bloods. But that shows Selleck the actor is more than just good.Nice to see Tom Selleck back as Jesse Stone. Hope there will be more of these in our future.
... View MoreSome might consider this to be a spoiler so reader be aware.I was so eager to see this movie & was really startled at how slow & dry the beginning was HOWEVER it was necessary to set the tone & put the viewer in the same proverbial boat with Jesse. It was very clever & made me start feeling antsy for the action the same as the character. Well done... very well done. This story had layers & depth. This story had some major ups & downs & Jesse continues to struggle which makes him flawed & so very lovable. Love Steve.I DVR-ed this movie & have watched it multiple times. I will be at the store the day this comes out on video (I HOPE for Christmas). I can't get enough of Jesse Stone. Tom Selleck gives a brilliant performance. I believe Robert B. Parker would be very pleased & they've stayed true to the character.I CAN NOT WAIT for the next one! Good job Hallmark & thank you for giving Jesse Stone a well deserved & perfectly executed home. The Jesse Stone series of movies is my favorite. You gained a loyal viewer from this fan.
... View MoreI like the Jesse Stone movies probably because I was a fan of the novels: heavy on dialogue, sparse on description. Selleck as writer/collaborator maintained that balance. I don't like the dropping of characters from film to film but that may be because the films are so sporadic and actors need to eat. This entry is slow moving and focuses on Jesse being dissatisfied with the way the "last" victim of a serial killer was put to rest. Jesse battles his usual demons—drink, loneliness, emptiness—and doggedly pursues leads with the aid of a certain disreputable boxing promoter. There are a few toss away scenes with Luke Perry, William Devane, and Kohl Sudduth but that's about it. There is a minor subplot featuring Mackenzie Foy as a troubled teen. But the heart of the story is that the last victim, Mavis, was butchered while she was still alive and Jesse knows even though the serial killings have stopped, Luke Perry wasn't the murderer. In the end you won't be surprised to find out who the guilty party is, just follow the "scrubbed" file to the obvious end. Not the most satisfying film of the series. I did like Steve the dog.
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