The Jesse Stone Film Collection (Stone Cold / Death in Paradise / Night Passage) Review

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(More customer reviews)If a role ever 'fit' an actor perfectly, Robert B. Parker's alcoholic, laconic ex-L.A. cop/small town Police Chief Jesse Stone 'fits' Tom Selleck. Paunchier and more careworn than in his "Magnum" days, Selleck has become a superb character actor, and this series of TV-movies offers him at the 'top of his game'.
While murder is the theme of each film, the stories are even more enjoyable as character studies of a man rebuilding his life. Divorced, but still holding long phone conversations with his ex-wife, Stone has turned to whiskey for solace, costing him his job with the L.A.P.D., but not yet diminishing his skills to a point where he can't get a strong endorsement for the position of Police Chief of tiny Paradise, Massachusetts, a coastal town near Boston. The first film of the series, "Stone Cold", presents him already in place as Chief; it's success led to "Jesse Stone: Night Passage", a prequel detailing his arrival in Paradise, the murder of the previous Chief, and the death of his beloved dog; the third film of this collection, "Jesse Stone: A Death in Paradise", the follow-up to "Stone Cold", finds him attempting to deal with his alcoholism, while investigating the death of a teen-aged girl.
Best of all, for fans of this series, a fourth film aired in 2007, with a fifth TV-movie in production for 2008.
If you are a fan of Parker's novels, Tom Selleck, or murder mysteries rich in character development, "The Jesse Stone Film Collection" deserves a place on your shelf!

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Magnum, P.I. - The Complete First Season (1980) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you were around to watch the original Magnum TV series, you already know whats in this. I watched the original series during my high school years and sitting down and watching the series again reminds me not only of those times, but of how good the show was.
If you never watched the original show, let me just say that introducing yourself to Magnum and his pals would be well worth your time. This is the ultimate "buddy" show. The dynamic that evolves between the main characters is a rare pleasure to watch. Some of the episodes (The two parter called "Ivan" jumps to mind... but that will have to wait for later season releases)are particularly well done and have some amazing moments.
Of course, there are going to be some stinkers mixed in there. But to be honest, they are particularly few and far between.
One of the best elements of the show is the relationship between Magnum and Higgins. Its the classic love/hate deal with a level of mutual respect that sustains a very funny back and forth of gotchas between the two.
Once all the seasons have been released, and you watch that final episode with Magnum walking off into the sunset in his dress whites on the beach with his daughter in hand, you mill most likely wonder three things. First, when will they make a movie so we can all see what happens next. Second, did Rick or didn't he? Finally, you will be just a bit jealous that we can't all have the kind of friendships that Magnum, TC, Rick and Higgins share.
Of course, there is the technical side of the DVD. Frankly, I was not too optimistic about the likely quality of the video. I am happy to report that the transfer to DVD is just about as clean as anyone could possibly hope for. I am watching the DVD on a 50" rear projection LCD TV. So any quality problems with the image would be particularly obvious. Also, my DVD player is an older Toshiba model. No progressive scan or any of the other common quality boost features you find in newer decks. The bottom line is that there is no reason to be concerned in any way about the quality of the transfer, it's top notch.
So take the time to introduce yourself to Magnum and his friends, you won't regret it.

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MAGNUM PI:COMPLETE FIRST SEASON - DVD Movie

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Jesse Stone: Night Passage (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Tom Selleck is absolutely perfect as Jesse Stone, a character created by the great crime author Robert Parker. Selleck plays a burned out, alcoholic cop who takes a job in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts as sheriff. "Night Passage" is the tale of the quest by the emotionally damaged Stone for the killer of a young girl. William Devane costars as Jesse's shrink and he is excellent. Terrific secondary characters. In my opinion, Parker's Jesse Stone series of novels eclipses his famous Spenser books. This story line is the prequal to CBS's fabulously successful "Stone Cold", Selleck's first outing as Jesse Stone. Grab "Night Passage" . . . the Jesse Stone made-for-TV movies are quality productions with superb acting and beautiful cinematography. Stunning music. Exceptional TV. Highly, highly recommended. You don't ofter see TV this well done these days. You must also pick up Stone Cold one of the best ever made for TV movies and Jesse Stone - Death In Paradise. Can't wait for the latest Jesse Stone TV movie, Sea Change, to be released on DVD!!

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Selleck plays the role of Jesse Stone, a former Los Angeles homicide detective who left California and his ex-wife to become the police chief in a small New England town.Among his many character flaws are his struggles with a drinking problem and lingering feelings for his ex-wife.

Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise Co-starring William Devane (TV’s "Knot’s Landing"), the TV movie finds Chief Stone (Selleck) settling into his new life in Paradise when he becomes obsessed with finding the killer of a teenage girl.His quest to solve the murder unearths facts indicating there is more to the girl’s history than originally suspected and the new clues lead him to probe the Boston underworld.

DVD Special Features for Jesse Stone: Night Passage Include: Digitally Mastered Audio and Video, Widescreen Presentations, Audio: English, French, Portuguese, Thai, Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Thai, Bonus Previews, Closed Captioned

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Jesse Stone: Stone Cold (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)There have been 4 Jesse Stone novels by Robert Parker. And though Stone is 35 years old in the first one, and in his mid 40s by now, Selleck takes and makes the role his own. He's perfect in the role, and the whole production of this made for TV movie is top notch. there need to be more smart mystery type shows like this around.
When it aired, there were early reports that Selleck was interested in doing more with the character. Perhaps a series of TV movies, or even a TV series. It aired on CBS, and fans of Spenser For Hire (when is that whole series coming to DVD?)would love to see a regular weekly series. Personally, I don't know how well it would hold up weekly. There are only 4 books out to base this on, compared to the more than a dozen when Spenser aired. But with the right scripts it could become a great weekly show. And a hit. But CBS would probably aim for 21 episodes a season, which might strain the concept a little.
But either way, this movie was excellent. Fans of Parker,Selleck or just a good mystery should check it out.

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Tom Selleck is Jesse Stone, a former L.A. homicide detective who left behind the big city and an ex-wife to become the police chief of the quiet New England fishing town of Paradise, Massachusetts. Stone's old habits die hard as he continues to indulge in his two favorite things - scotch and women. When a series of murders take place, and a high school girl is raped, he's forced to face his own demons in order to solve the crimes.

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Jesse Stone: Sea Change Review

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(More customer reviews)The latest DVD dramatization of Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone novels starring Tom Selleck has everything: Action, drama, mystery, humor, romance and pathos. For me, it is the best of the series thus far.
Sea Change challenges mystery and thriller lovers alike but will also delight those viewers who love wonderful, three-dimensional characterizations and first-class film making.
Frankly, each of these made-for-TV productions of the Jesse Stone books have had the look and feel of a movie.
Selleck is perfect as the brilliant Police Chief of a small town in New England, aptly named 'Paradise' in Massachusetts, who fled the big city which had brought him great professional success along with stress and a failed marriage.
He's wounded and lonely, and struggles with alchoholism. Much like Sherlock Holmes who sometimes took cocaine when he didn't have a case to challenge his sharp mental faculities, Stone has to have something 'important' to investigate or his addiction will consume him.
Abruptly desolate in the very quiet town, Stone decides to open a cold case and, in so doing, is able to set his glass down -- at least for a while. The case he selected is a 20-year-old bank robbery and murder.
The ensuing twists and turns of the investigation, and Stone's unorthodox but endearing style, is entertaining, intriguing and memorable.
Selleck is ably assisted by a very talented cast that includes the gifted Kathy Baker who plays Dispatcher/Officer Rose Gammon, the great Kohl Sudduth as Officer Luthor 'Suitcase' Simpson who awakes from a coma with 'special talents,' and Joe the Dog who plays Reggie.
Lets hope the remainder of the Jesse Stone novels get the same wonderful treatment and come to TV and DVD soon!

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Jesse Stone: Sea Change is the fourth in the series of films starring Selleck as Jesse Stone, the former Los Angeles homicide detective who has been fired from the LAPD, left his wife and comes to Paradise, Massachusetts, to start life over again as the New England town’s police chief. Co-starring William Devane (TV’s Knot’s Landing), Kathy Baker (Edward Scissorhands) and Sean Young (Blade Runner), this installment finds Chief Stone (Selleck) bored with what he perceives as his mundane life, struggling to keep his drinking and his obsession with beautiful women under control.Stone’s restlessness gets the best of him and he re-opens a 12-year-old cold file involving the murder of a bank teller. The inquiry reveals fresh clues and Stone soon finds himself busier than ever as the unsolved case leads to another centered around an alleged rape aboard a yacht during the town’s annual Race Week.

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Jesse Stone: Thin Ice Review

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(More customer reviews)Jesse and his State Homicide buddy Healey are shot at in Boston. Both are injured, Healey seriously. Jesse comes home to learn his ex-wife is moving in with her boyfriend; his employer, the Paradise Town Council is not pleased with his performance as police chief specifically with his failure to man the speed trap just outside of town, and a woman from New Mexico thinks her long-ago kidnapped son is alive and well in Paradise. Add an Internal Affairs investigation conducted by an angst-ridden and glamorous officer to the mix (Jesse managed to fire a couple of shots at the gunman) and this is a satisfying addition to the series.
Thin Ice describes more than the story. This is the first of the Jesse Stone movies not based on a Robert Parker novel, there are differences in characters (I particularly missed Molly) and there's an edgier feel to it. While there is still the wonderful repartee among the members of Paradise's tiny PD that is so characteristic of these stories, everyone seems uneasy and Jesse seems more self-destructive than in the past. Nevertheless, the intrepid Jesse manages to sidestep Internal Affairs to resolve the shooting, ferrets out the truth about the kidnapping, and as the movie ends, is on his way to Do The Right Thing. His future in Paradise is in question as well as his personal relationships, and I'm glad I read that there is another episode yet unreleased, so maybe the big issues will be resolved.

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Jesse Stone is back! When his friend and fellow cop is shot during a visit to Boston, small town police chief Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck) risks his life and career to solve the crime while also investigating the disappearance of a missing child in this exciting fifth installment in the popular Jesse Stone movies based on the best-selling books by Robert B. Parker.

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Mr. Baseball (1992) Review

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(More customer reviews)For one thing, this movie pivoted on the theme of baseball is a world better than the Madonna/Davis starring "A league of their own" or the more recent travesties like "A field of dreams". For another, the schism between American and Japanese ideologies/way of life is just so truly captured that it is difficult to believe this movie is not the de-facto recommendation for people interested in Japan. Guess it missed out on the major league scene because, well, quite literally it is not about US major leagues?
A US baseball star (Selleck) is traded to a Japanese baseball team and finds himself at intellectual loggerheads with the extant coach of the team. This, plus a slight romantic sub-plot as he falls in love with the coach's daughter.
Barring some minor cheesy moments -- e.g., when the coach takes Selleck to a golf driving range and makes him hit the balls with a baseball bat, only to hear "I want to hit balls" instead of "I want to hit baseballs"...hmm -- the accuracy of Japanese life is truly stunning. Including, eating ramen with vociferous slurps, digging chopsticks vertically in rice bowls being a no-no, the language used to communicate between the American/Japanese, even a scene with a real on-sen. A refreshing break after stereotype galore seen in movies of that time, including the entertaining "Black Rain" or the absolutely goofball "Rising Sun".
To cut to the chase, this is an under-rated gem of a movie, very well shot, some messages about life and profession as seen from two very different perspectives that are likely to resonate with either side. Selleck takes the cake with his acting, baring his tush (literally, I may add) to portray a grouchy American, snubbing people relentlessly and throwing tantrums in public, then letting us inside this character to understand his views. Takakura Ken, needless to say, is fascinating as usual.
A must watch if you are interested in Japan, or baseball, or a good light-hearted cross cultural take on life and sport.

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Jesse Stone: No Remorse (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)As a result of his Thin Ice feud with the Paradise City Council, police chief Jesse Stone is suspended from his duties and his former colleagues on the force are forbidden to talk to him. Jesse is pretty depressed and drinking a lot, but he does finally decide talking to his ex-wife Jen is a bad idea.
Things start to look up when Healey of the state police invites Jesse to consult on an apparent serial killer case in Boston and there's been a rash of convenience store robberies in Paradise that Rose and Acting Police Chief Suitcase feel inadequate to cope with. Since Jesse also spends a lot of time with his psychiatrist trying to figure out why he can't give his dog affection, his schedule fills up fast. He also needs to learn how to use a cell phone since there was an, ah, unfortunate accident with his land line. Because of the interdiction on Jesse's communication with Suitcase and Rose, the cell phone becomes a plot point and the cloak and dagger element just misses being comic.
Jesse doggedly pursues the serial killer who seems to have a connection with the boxing promoter Gino Fish, and aids Rose and Suitcase, who need Jesse's help in identifying the perpetrator of the convenience store robberies from security tapes. The entire Paradise police department in a superb display of teamwork catches the convenience store perp. The serial killer case is wrapped up in the last few minutes of the movie in an incredible twist that left me saying, `Huh?'
With No Remorse, the movie character of Jesse Stone diverges irrevocably from that of the late lamented Robert Parker's books. He's more angst-ridden and struggles in ways the book Jesse doesn't. No Remorse, co-written by Tom Selleck, is dark. All the characters are having major problems both on and off the job to the point that it's almost painful to watch. The delightful repartee that's always been a feature of the Jesse Stone movies is much heavier handed and honestly, the movie could use some comic relief in addition to Jesse's problems with his cell phone. Several plot threads were left dangling but I read there will be at least one more Jesse Stone movie, so perhaps things will be resolved.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four. I really missed the lightness of touch of the earlier entries. And I still miss Molly.

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Tom Selleck reprises his role as Jesse Stone, the anguished and relentless former police Chief in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts. While in self-imposed seclusion following his suspension from the Paradise Police Force, a mysterious series of related murders in nearby Boston draws Stone back into the fold. Before long, he’s following a crooked path that leads to none other than the city’s most notorious crime boss Gino Fish (William Sadler).Based upon characters created in best-selling author Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone books. Co-starring William Devane and Kathy Baker, Jesse Stone: No Remorse is a trip to Paradise that you will not want to miss!

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Killers (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)From my wife Sarah: An unsuspecting, nerdy and innocent but beautiful character played by Katherine Heigl and a government hit man played by Ashton Kutcher fall in love. Kutcher's character gives up the spy life to marry a woman he can trust, choosing a normal but blissful suburbian life. That is until Kutcher's handler tries to reactivate him three years later. Chaos insues in this fun and charming movie.
There are enough holes in the story to strain spagetti. If you try to think about it logically for even a moment you'll feel morally bound to hate this movie. Yet it was very entertaining. There was definitely some magic between Heigl and Kutcher, and though much of this movie was unbelievable, their relationship wasn't. Add to that some really good humor, action, a desperate situation, and the charisma, magnetism and attractiveness of the stars, and you've got a fun comedy/love story.
Catherine O'Hara can pretty much do no wrong in my book, and she was hilarious as Heigl's lush of a mom. Tom Selleck was great as her dad.
We were entertained all the way through, and found watching this movie to be a great way to relax and pass some time. I would certainly recommend this movie if that's something you're looking for.

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He’s tall, dark and handsome with a hint of mystery. What more does Jen (Katherine Heigl) need to know about Spencer (Ashton Kutcher), the man who’s just swept her off her feet down in the French Riviera? Well, maybe that he’s a professional spy whose special talent is assassination. But no matter, neither bullets nor bombs nor bad guys with big guns can keep these two from living happily ever after – if they can get through the day alive – in the outrageous romantic hit comedy that will slay you.

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