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The Mighty Quinn

The Mighty Quinn

Action · Crime · Drama · 1989

Police chief Xavier Quinn investigates the gruesome murder of Donald Pater, one of the wealthiest residents on a Caribbean island. He was found decapitated in his Jacuzzi. Although the local political establishment, especially crooked Governor Chalk, insists that small-time thief Maubee is responsible, Xavier has his doubts. This view is complicated by the police chief's personal history with Maubee: The men have been friends since childhood.

Movie details

The Mighty Quinn

“The chief of police and the chief suspect know each other too well to let a little thing like murder get in their way.”

1989 Action · Crime · Drama 1h 38m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.0 / 10

Community rating

Police chief Xavier Quinn investigates the gruesome murder of Donald Pater, one of the wealthiest residents on a Caribbean island. He was found decapitated in his Jacuzzi. Although the local political establishment, especially crooked Governor Chalk, insists that small-time thief Maubee is responsible, Xavier has his doubts. This view is complicated by the police chief's personal history with Maubee: The men have been friends since childhood.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Mighty Quinn?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Carl Schenkel

Written by

Hampton Fancher

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington

Xavier Quinn

James Fox

James Fox

Thomas Elgin

Mimi Rogers

Mimi Rogers

Hadley Elgin

M. Emmet Walsh

M. Emmet Walsh

Fred Miller

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Lola Quinn

Art Evans

Art Evans

Jump Jones

Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle

Ubu Pearl

Court is in session

Put The Mighty Quinn on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Prestige Tourist

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.