This is the first in the Jesse Stone TV series. While Stone Cold is chronologically the second installment, the filmmakers wanted an attention grabber film, as they did not expect the movie to do as well as it did. Night Passage was followed up as a prequel in 2006, followed by several sequels to this. The books upon which the novels are based are by Robert B. Parker.
Tom Selleck is perfectly suited for the role as Jesse Stone. However, in the novels, Parker placed the age of Stone at about his mid-thirties. Selleck is in his early-mid 60s. And yet Selleck scores, and I don't think anyone else could have done it better.
The story is believable, plausible, and the characters are all realistic. The movie itself is realistic in general. We are given shootouts, of course, but they aren't done in the chaotic, shoot em up style like it is done in most action movies. It's done so realistically: draw, shoot, and it's over.
I am wondering whether or not the Jesse Stone series would be good to release to theaters. I can't imagine that they would be box-office hits, and of all of them, Stone Cold, I think, would be the best to release to cinemas.
At only an hour and a half, which is a perfect running time, Stone Cold is briskly paced, entertaining and the characters are so convincing. We can so see the troubles that the character of Jesse Stone is going through, and the relationships with the friends he makes, and the enemies he has as well.
Having by now watched all of the Jesse Stone films (though I still haven't read any of the books), I am convinced that Stone Cold is the best out of the bunch. It's the most original, the most engaging, and, for a simple though bland statement, the best done.
****/5
No comments:
Post a Comment