In Thin Ice, Jesse Stone and Captain Healy are on a stakeout in Boston when they are shot at multiple times. Injured, Jesse manages to fire at the perpetrator, saving both of their lives.
Following the incident, Jesse walks away with an injury to his arm. Captain Healy is not so lucky and is hospitalised.
Upon returning to Paradise, Jesse finds himself in trouble with the town council. They feel his methods – including the incident with Captain Healy – are placing Paradise in a bad light, highlighting crime over the more positive aspects of the town, including tourism.
Jesse disagrees and returns to his desk where he is met by a woman called Elizabeth Blue. Seven years ago, Elizabeth’s baby was kidnapped and she believes he is alive and now residing somewhere in Paradise.
After hearing Elizabeth’s story, Jesse doesn’t believe he can help her. However, after some soul searching, he begins to reconsider the case.
Directed by Robert Harmon, Thin Ice stars Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Stephen McHattie, William Sadler, William Devane, Camryn Manheim, and Jessica Hecht. The movie is the fifth entry in the Jesse Stone movie series, and the first film not to be based on a book by Robert B. Parker.
Does this impact the quality of the movie? No, not at all.
Director Robert Harmon maintains the same tone and consistency of the series, while the story by Ronni Kern, Michael Brandman, and Tom Selleck remains captivating. Thin Ice is as interesting as what has come before, because it is made by a team who understand the central character, as well as the world he operates in.
As with the previous Jesse Stone films, Thin Ice is split into two plots. Plot A deals with the fallout from the stakeout with Captain Healy, while plot B focuses on the kidnapped child.
Both plots provide the film with something interesting to latch onto. The kidnapped child storyline is arguably the most intriguing of the two, but the combination of the two contrasting plots continues to make the Jesse Stone film series stand out.
Most detective pictures that use multiple plots will often bring them together, dovetailing them during the climax to show a connection. The Jesse Stone films don’t do this, and continue to keep the two plots separate to great effect.
As with the previous Jesse Stone movies, characterisation is a key component of Thin Ice. The interactions between Jesse, “Suitcase” Simpson, and Rose Gammon add a great deal of heart to the movie, while the continual appearance of actors such as Stephen McHattie, William Sadler, and William Devane, ensure this film series feels fully fleshed out.
The main appeal of the Jesse Stone movie series is the way in which the films create the sense of community within the town of Paradise. Sure, the crime plots and mysteries are intrinsic to the series’ continued success, but these films would not be half as strong without the main characters and the supporting players.
Tom Selleck is also key. In every film he is the beating heart of the Jesse Stone series, and Thin Ice is no exception.
Five films in and the Jesse Stone movie series demonstrates no signs of slowing down or losing its sheen. Thin Ice adds to what has come before, while setting up a new direction for the next film.
In keeping with its predecessors, Thin Ice is a solid slice of entertainment, that delivers for fans of the series. There’s something familiar, reassuring, and likeable on offer here, and there’s certainly no disappointment.
Should you wish to check out Thin Ice, the movie is available on digital download and DVD from all good entertainment stores, including Amazon US.
—
Disclaimer: I earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
__
—
Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
It's A Stampede! 
Leave a comment