Jesse Stone Death In Paradise DVD with Tom Selleck, Viola Davis, Kohl Sudduth (Unrated) +Movie Reviews +Used DVD available for Swap

Third Jesse Stone movie makes it three for three

Joseph P. Menta, Jr. | Philadelphia, PA USA | 02/01/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Both sensitively acted and directed, "Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise" is another winner in the "Jesse Stone" series of television films. Star Tom Selleck and director Robert Harmon must really be committed to this series, as every aspect of these productions are top notch.

Of course, one can air a minor complaint here and there. For example, like the previous entry, "Jesse Stone: Night Passage", this one ends a little too neatly and abruptly (just like in "Passage", everything is explained and resolved during a closing shoot-out), but that's only a small negative in an overall very good adaptation. I'm certainly onboard for "Jesse Stone: Sea Change", the fourth movie in the series (I always wait for the DVD releases of these films because I hate all the television commercials).

By the way, as these reviews are supposed to be "helpful", here's the order that I recommend that these stories should be watched:

1) Jesse Stone: Night Passage... This was the second film to be produced, but chronologically (as it recounts Chief Stone's earliest days as Paradise's police chief) it takes place first. For example, a character who is killed in "Stone Cold" (the first film produced) is seen good as new here, because of this story's earlier time frame. Trust me, watch this one first.

2) Stone Cold... The first film produced, but if you watch it second, you'll enjoy the seamless transition from "Jesse Stone: Night Passage" into "Stone Cold". This also gives the aforementioned death in this movie more dramatic heft, because we've already seen Jesse spend a lot of time with the character in question in "Passage".

3) Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise... This one picks up directly after the events in "Stone Cold", even though it was produced right after the origin story that was "Jesse Stone: Night Passage".

4) Jesse Stone: Sea Change... Fourth film to be produced, fourth film you should watch. This one's easy enough, at least, right?

One final thought, if you enjoy these TV films, you should try the Robert B. Parker novels in which they're based. The films are very close to the novels, but the novels give you more details, a less compressed pace, and more vivid characterizations. But make no mistake, the movies are definitely worth seeking out, too."

Perfect actor plus great character equals TV magic

Victoria A. Wildermuth | Odessa, TX USA | 04/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tom Selleck IS Jesse Stone, a character created by the great mystery author Robert Parker. Selleck plays a burned out, alcoholic LA cop who takes a job in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts as sheriff. "Death in Paradise" is a tale of domestic violence, mob intrigue and the poignant, obsessive quest by the emotionally damaged Stone for the killer of a young girl. This story line actually occurred in the Parker series prior to the novel that was the basis for CBS's fabulously successful "Stone Cold", Selleck's first outing as Jesse Stone. The screenwriters tweaked the plot of "Death in Paradise" a bit to make it a sequel to "Stone Cold" with excellent results. "Death in Paradise" features a powerhouse cameo by Steven Baldwin. In my opinion, Parker's Jesse Stone series is head and shoulders above the famous Spencer books. The Stone made-for-TV movies are quality productions with superb acting, beautiful cinematography and haunting music. Exceptional TV. Highly, highly recommended. You must also get: Stone Cold and Jesse Stone - Night Passage. The latest Jesse Stone movie is "Sea Change" which aired on CBS in May 2007 Jesse Stone: Sea Change."

Another Great Movie

D. Griffith | Missouri, USA | 06/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tom Selleck was born to play Jesse Stone. So much so that I can't imagine the character without Selleck. I immediately loved "Stone Cold" when I saw it premiere on TV and I have enjoyed watching Jesse solve crimes ever since.

Death In Paradise is a great little movie with an engaging storyline, believable dialogue (like always), solid production work, and a fantastic cast. I love the theme music for the series and the way that with just a couple simple piano themes so much mood can be conveyed. I've seen all 4 of the Jesse Stone movies and I love them all. I eagerly look forward to more!

I should note that I usually don't watch made for TV movies but I saw "Stone Cold" and I was hooked. It is refreshing when CGI and all manner of film trickery isn't employed and the filmmakers must rely on good old fashioned storytelling. The acting and the writing in this series is tremendous and needs no trickery to succeed."

Selleck is Perfect

BSXX | 08/25/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have to agree with practically everyone else in applauding Tom Selleck in this role. I have never disliked Selleck, but he has never been one of my favorite actors, probably because I didn't see him in much. Nevertheless, that he fits this role like a glove, or vice versa, is undeniable.

Although I really enjoyed this move, and highly recommend it, I cannot honestly say it was as good as the first one - "Stone Cold". Primarily because the conclusion comes rather abruptly and unexpectedly. (I have not seen Night Passage as I write this.)

Don't get me wrong, it is a very good movie, the plot is good, the movie is very smart, suspenseful, and well-written, overall, however, it just wasn't as good as Stone Cold. The scenes with William Devane are very good and I wish there was more of him (Devane) in the movie.

Many movies may have a big star or 2 in them, but the movie itself is driven by the plot. The 2 Jesse Stone movies I have seen, are driven by the character, i.e. Jesse Stone. The plots are still excellent in both movies, but they never surpass Jesse Stone as the focus of the movie. And in this instance, that is perfectly fine because the character and Selleck's portrayal are fascinating.

Highly Recommended."

A Thinking Hero at Last!

Terry R. Hiller | Seattle, WA | 07/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This second Jesse Stone made-for-tv movie again stars Tom Sellect as the flawed but likeable police chief of Paradise, Massachusetts, and an older Selleck proves he owns the role. Anyone who is familiar with Robert B. Parkers novels, Tom Selleck or the first movie will feel like they're visiting an old friend here.

In this movie, the body of a teenage girl is found floating in a local lake. With few clues and a local prime suspect who seems to be a step ahead of him, Stone's investigation eventually leads to Boston where he clashes with a local mob boss who seems to know the answers, but wants Stone to figure it out. Parallel to the murder, Stone also deals with a case of domestic violence that turns turns deadly, his alcoholism and feelings for his ex-wife, and a town council not sure if they picked the right person for the job.

Not to say this movie is for everyone. People who dislike Tom Selleck or the Parker novels obviously won't like it, nor will those video-game-raised folks who need constant chases, CGI augmentation and cardboard characters who don't get in the way of the gratuitous mayhem. Like all the Jesse Stone stories, this one is anchored on and driven by characters - how they interact, fail to interact, and how the weight of their pasts affect them as they try to make their way in the world. And the movie has the courage just to watch people thinking -- a rarity in any entertainment these days.

As of this writing, Parker has written six Jesse Stone novels, and Selleck has made four of them into movies. I heartily recommend you track down each one, buy it, and watch it over and over again. You won't be disappointed!"

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