a dreary affair except for the River Kwai and Mr. Smith clips
This is my first Jesse Stone and it may be my last. In Innocents Lost, Jesse tries to find out what happened to a young woman he once arrested with whom he lost touch. She went into a rehab facility, was released on antidepressants, and died of a heroin overdose.Part of my problem is not knowing all the characters who surround Jesse, and it is certainly an excellent cast: Kathy Baker, William Devane, Stephen McHattie, et al., and I suppose that would help subsequent viewing.
To me this seemed slow-moving and I found Selleck as dull as dishwater. He shot to fame thanks to his wonderful looks, a relaxed charm, an ability to play humor, and warmth. I guess it all left on the last train. This character does not draw on any of his best assets. I just don't find him enough of an actor to give us a multilayered, depressed character. Instead, he comes off as grim and boring.
I once read that a self-help guru did a workshop for actors. One of them was always one of the last two in an audition but lost the part. The teacher investigated and told him the reason was he had no talent. She explained it was a good thing because he didn't have to worry about "acting" any longer. He could use his charm, his presence, his looks, his demeanor, and his personality instead. She went on to write that he became a household name in the '80s. I'm convinced it was Selleck.
I'm sure no one else will agree with me, and I may feel differently if I view more of these. But it was slow going watching one of the bright lights of '80s television meandering through this. One smile would have been welcome.
score 6/10
blanche-2 8 September 2015
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3312821/35851
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