Denzel is Mighty as Chief Quinnby DrGuam

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July 16, 2009: A film that deserves cult status in the Denzel Washington filmography. Denzel as the uptight Chief of Police of a small country (Jamaica or similar) that depends almost entirely upon tourism and western (read white) money for survival.

Stir in the murder of the resort owner, ostensibly by Quinn childhood friend Maubee played by Townsend, along with an international mystery and you've got a very entertaining film.

Washington as Quinn brings to life the Chief with a very fine performance. From details of his approach to every other character his body language, speech, pacing and expressions are Denzel at his finest in a light adventure role. Some may not like his Caribbean resident portrayal but that should quickly fade behind the intriguing but not complex storyline. Watch his use of his sunglasses in this film!

A straightforward script that still manages clever plot twists and that vague sense of mystery through the final scene. Well placed comic relief including a 15 second visual and auditory homage to Gilligan & Co. that is not too be missed.

The musical score and soundtrack is a reggae lovers delight. There's even compositions contributed by Bob Dylan to the well constructed addition to the story line that includes a subplot of Chief Quinn and his struggle with his past as a piano player in the local watering hole.

M. Emmet Walsh turns in another fine character performance that rates right up there with his signature Blade Runner performance, and really surpasses it in both contribution in screen time and as a continuous driving element to the story.

A fun, entertaining suspense thriller with delightful moments.