Sony | 2010 | 87 mins. | Not Rated
Beginning with 2005’s Stone Cold, Tom Selleck has portrayed Jesse Stone in six made-for-TV movies (though it has yet to air, a seventh has already been filmed). Based on the character created by novelist Robert B. Parker, Stone is a troubled man. A former big city cop, he gets fired from his job as a homicide detective because of a drinking problem. With few options, Stone is forced to take a job as police chief for a small town of Paradise, Massachusetts. For those unfamiliar with the Jesse Stone series, it should be noted that the first made-for-TV movie in the series, Stone Cold was actually based on Robert B. Parker’s fourth Stone novel.
This sixth film, No Remorse isn’t based on a Parker novel, but rather a script written by Selleck and veteran TV producer Michael Brandman. At the end of the previous Stone film, Jesse Thin Ice Jesse was suspended from the police department by the town council. As No Remorse begins Stone is still not allowed contact with the other two members of the Paradise Police Department, Rose (Kathy Baker) and Luther “Suitcase” Simpson (Kohl Sudduth).
Frustrated over the state of his life and still haunted by his ex-wife, Jesse drowns his sorrows in alcohol. Former police officer and psychiatrist Dr. Dix (William Devane) continues to try and help him sort out his problems, but it remains an uphill battle.
No Remorse has Jesse tackling two different crimes. Aware of his troublesome situation in Paradise, Jesse’s friend Boston Commander Healy (Stephen McHattie), the State Homicide Commissioner, asks for his help to solve a series of murders. Victims are being shot, at point blank range in parking garages. The killings appear to have a link to one of the city’s known mobsters, Gino Fish (William Sadler), who employed the first victim.
Meanwhile, Paradise is dealing with a series of convenience store robberies. Forced into the role of Acting Police Chief, Luther finds himself in way over his head. Even though Jesse is forbidden to communicate with the Paradise police, he finds a way, and helps lead Luther and Rose in the right direction. As a side note, he also finally buys a cell phone, which adds a little comic flair to the proceedings.
Similar to the late Robert Parker’s novels, the Jesse Stone movies remain compelling fare. No Remorse is probably best enjoyed if you’ve watched the other films in the series, as plots, character arcs, and relationships spill over from other installments. However, no matter where you start watching the series, the quality of the writing insures that the viewer never be lost.
No Remorse is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. The video is soft, dark, and grainy, with pale colors. The movie is clean and looks fine, but devoid of any bright colors. Of course, the dark palette is fitting, since Jesse’s life continues to be tumultuous.
The 5.1 soundtrack is more commendable. It breathes constant life into the proceedings, dispersing music and the occasional atmosphere in steady bursts. English subtitles are provided.
No special features are included.
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