O Poderoso Quinn

While I don't consider this a "great" movie, I must say that it is one of those movies like a favorite pair of slippers: always so comfortable to put on. I can't stop watching this old movie because it's so much fun, the characters are so comfortable to be with, the locations are so relaxing, and Washington is, as always, a wonderful actor.

Though it is not the high point of the movie, my favorite moment occurs when Quinn (Washington) loosens up, sits down at the piano, and begins an amusing rendition of "Cakewalk into Town." Unfortunately, others subvert his song into "The Mighty Quinn," disturbing the atmosphere somewhat, but that's all part of the plot.

Quinn's "serious cop" is the straight man to another worthy character, Maubee (Robert Townsend), an impish rascal loved by everyone on the island.

"The Mighty Quinn" makes me want to go to the island and party with everyone there, but, alas, it's only a movie.

On an unnamed US Caribbean island, police chief Quinn - Denzel Washington - has to deal with a gruesome murder. A wealthy American hotel owner has been killed in his hot tub, his head decapitated. Also, a bag with a large sum of money is missing. Everyone wants to point the finger at Quinns childhood friend, Mauphee. He's an odd jobs man with a record. Nevertheless, Quinn sends the body for an autopsy. Unbelievably, the cause of death is a venomous snake bite, the man's head was cutoff post-mortem. As Quinn searches for Mauphee, he tangles with the local witch - Esther Rolle - and others, including his estranged wife and a CIA agent. Will he be able to clear his friend? This is a decent thriller in a beautiful setting. Washington is a great leading man with fine support. Naturally, most of the Americans are shady tricksters. Fans of mysteries will enjoy it.

Do you want to be magically transported to the islands? Do you want to hear raggae music that's out of this world? Do you want to see Denzel's beautiful brown skin against an all white uniform? The Mighty Quinn's got all three plus a pretty decent plot and some pretty well known actors. Robert Townsend is great as the wily Maubee, Mimi Rogers is convincing as a damsel in distress and Sheryl Lee Ralph showcases her talents as both an actress and a singer. But perhaps the best part of this movie, in my opinion, is Denzel's character Xavier. Oh yes he looks sexy, as he always does. But more that that it's the way he embodies a role so much so that by the end of the movie you can't tell him from smooth tongued Jamaican police officer that he's playing. Catch it one late night on television reruns and I bet you'll get caught up. You'll never feel the same way about a Jamaican accent again.

A wealthy white resort owner is found dead in his hotel on the island of Jamaica. When Chief Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) investigates he's met with resistance and simply told to find Maubee (Robert Townsend). Quinn, not willing to simply turn away, pursues the investigation further much to the disapproval of the governor as well as Elgin (James Fox), another white bigwig.

Based upon the book "Finding Maubee", it's an intriguing murder mystery with a Jamaican flare. There aren't many twists and turns but neither is the crime clear cut. The movie primarily follows Quinn through his surreptitious investigation as well as his family and woman troubles. The movie is easy to watch, easy to follow, plus you get to hear Denzel do his best Jamaican impression.

"The Mighty Quinn" is one of those movies that isn't a masterpiece by any stretch, but is interesting for what it shows. In this case, we get to see Jamaica, where sheriff Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) is investigating a murder and trying to clear his friend Maubee's (Robert Townsend) name. One of the most interesting scenes is when someone escapes from a house by climbing through the tin roof. Now there's a look at the Caribbean! Probably the best part of this movie is the soundtrack. Considering that it happens in the Caribbean, you know that there's got to be some great music. And you won't be disappointed. Like I said, "The Mighty Quinn" isn't a great movie or anything, but it's interesting for what it shows. See it if possible.