The Bone Collector
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Movie Reviews of The Bone Collector
Movie Review: Excellent detective story
Summary: 5 Stars
This intelligent crime story is an excellent addition to the genre. It combines some time honored plot elements with some nuances and twists to provide an effective and intriguing story that has viewers wracking their brains along with the characters to figure out "who done it".I was prepared to dislike this film when I rented it because I've increasingly felt that the politically correct crowd in Hollywood has gone overboard lately in their use of films as diversity training for the masses. I was expecting preachy subtext about how the handicapped can be heroes too. Though that message was inherent in the fact that the hero was a quadriplegic, I came away feeling that the disability was an essential plot element and was not used for shameless sermonizing.
The quadriplegic element was actually an effective novelty in a genre that is often criticized (as was this film) for its lack of originality. The story's calculating serial killer with a very specific motive was a welcome change from oft used psychopath on the rampage. So, unlike many who have excoriated this script for lacking freshness, I felt it had a lot of good angles that distinguished it in a genre that has been greatly over plowed. Though a novel murder mystery is as hard to come by as a novel romance, that doesn't mean that such familiar themes can no longer be entertaining.
Director Phillip Noyce combines mystery, suspense, and graphic violence and delivers the total package with great impact. He is extremely effective in his use of the camera to heighten the effect of scenes through extreme close ups, top down shots and interesting perspective shots. His use of sound is also very compelling as on numerous occasions I found myself startled right out of my seat (having the DTS version of the DVD probably enhanced this effect). The underground sets were fantastic and lent an eerie reality to the historic broken down locations where the crimes were set.
The acting by Denzel Washington was first rate. He is particularly effective in thoughtful, intelligent roles where his character has to think his way through the film while dealing with emotional baggage. This was a particularly difficult role because he had to deliver the impact of the character without the use of his body, making his facial expressions and voice his only dramatic weapons. Given these constraints, he did an outstanding job of presenting a dynamic and powerful portrayal.
Angelina Jolie has proven once again that she is a serious dramatic talent. She consistently eschews the fluffy girlie roles to take on difficult characters. She was hard as nails and convincing as the intuitive forensics cop. It was she who made the chemistry work between Lincoln and Amelia by creating an emotional barrier of spiteful cynicism and then slowly letting it down as Lincoln gained her respect. She has the range to effectively portray grit and vulnerability in the same character which is no small order.
I gave this film a 9/10. As crime dramas go, it was terrific. The graphic violence is not for everyone, but if you enjoy a good taut murder mystery, you can't go wrong with this film.
Movie Review: The Bone Collector
Summary: 5 Stars
This is easily one of the best thrillers I've ever seen! Denxel and Angelina are excellent together in this awesome movie. Both put on an awesome performance. This movie will easily ... scare the [daylights] out of you. Denzel Washington is a crime scene specialist that is forced to retire after a life threatening accident at the scene of a crime. After a very gruesome murder, he becomes intrigued with the officer that is first on the scene to the murder, Angelina Jolie. He tells her that she walked the scene like a special crime unit agent and pulls some strings to have her investigate the murder. After a second horrifying murder, Denzel realizes that they are dealing with a serial killer. The police needing his help, set up shop in his loft and Denzel then orders that Angelina will be the scene investigator. It's a horrifying, freaky, thrill ride from start to finish.
This is easily one of my favorites (behind Silence of the Lambs and Copy Cat). This movie totally [scared me] and each one of the murders is intense, creapy and totally different from the last. I assure each murder will [scare you]. This movie is ten times more horrifying than any other thrill that I've seen and honestly, it was great in that respect because this movie came out kind of in between the whole rebirth of slashers and it was a great throw back from all that stuff.
Angelina and Denzel really show some true ability in this one as well. She totally earns some respect in this one and she really becomes her character. And Denzel, as usual, is great in this one. Along with a great supporting cast, the on screen factor of this movie is also very great.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone that loves thrillers, mysteries and there's also some drama in this one as well. I will say that some of the scenes are very graffic and gruesome but they almost have to be because this movie is a total eye catcher. For some, that might not be your cup of tea because of the blood factor. Here's the way I'll put it, if you thought that HANNIBAL was to gruesome, then the Bone Collector mihgt not be for you. If you're looking for other great mystery thrillers, check out the obvious ones SEVEN, ALONG CAME A SPIDER, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, HANNIBAL and COPYCAT. Either way it goes, I'm sure you'll find one that you'll enjoy.
Movie Review: One of the best
Summary: 5 Stars
I read over some of the other reviews putting this movie at an "average" rating, but I kinda disagree. First off, I think the director and producer put this movie together perfectly. In case you do not know about this movie, Ill start off by describing it a bit... The main theme lies in the thriller/mystery department, so if you like these kind of films, you will most definitely like this movie. The two main charactors in the movie are Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. Denzel plays a disabled Crime Scene Investigator and Angelina plays a rookie police officer who laters finds out her talent as a crime scene investigator. The setting of the story takes place in New York City (which is a perfect spot for this type of movie) and is cast in modern day life. Basically, the plot of the movie is about a phsyco murderer who, very strategically, plans killings by using his job as a taxi cab driver to kidnapp people. I dont want to get too in depth, but the good guys would be Denzel and Angelina and a few other police bureau workers who try to solve the mystery behind all the kidnappings and hopefully get to the crime scene in time to save innocent people. You might have preconcieved notions about this movie being kind of average, but what makes this movie stand out is its outstanding film features. By features I mean, great music and excellent effects (everything such as lighting, settings etc). If your going to watch it, here are some VERY recommended suggestions...1. Make sure its dark- 50% of the movies general "effect" comes from the ambience in which you watch it. 2. Watch on a fairly large television with a fairly good sound system. - try to get the best TV and sound system to watch the movie otherwise dont even bother with the movie. 3. Must get it on DVD! - Dont watch the VHS version, I saw it and its horrible. Film quality is bad and it doesnt include all the extras which tell about the Bone collector. Sound is also improved on DVD version. Any way you look at it, you need to give the Bone Collector a try. Great movie for all.
Movie Review: The Bone Collector
Summary: 5 Stars
After an accident in a tunnel, a forensics expert is left as a quadriplegic who is able only to move his head and one finger. Setting his finger to a computer, he is able to manipulate his environment with the help of a loving nurse. Even so, fearing seizures that could leave him a vegetable, he plans his "transition" with the help of a hesitational doctor friend. That all changes when he is confronted with clues from a serial killer that obviously are pointed to forensics investigation. The case clearly re-invokes his interest in life. A sharp, young cop's quick thinking saves the first crime scene. Recognizing her talent for forensics, he brings her unwillingly into forensics detection. Through radio contact, she becomes his eyes and legs on the scene. Michael Rooker also appears as the police captain, who has bungled earlier killings by the serial killer and is more interested in the press than in good police work. Ed O'Neill and Luis Guzman are support staff who aid Washington and run interference with Rooker. This is a great movie with a great storyline and great actors. This movie had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie. A movie that will keep you guessing and all though it. Very entertaining thriller.
Movie Review: This is one of my favorite movies...
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't really understand what y'all are talking about when you say it's 1) not suspenseful and 2) much too gory. I was on the edge of my seat even though I've read the book. I admit, they did change the killer to some funky medtech and messed up the reasoning, but it's not that important. Second, if you think it's too gory... then why are you watching movies about serial killers? Gore is what they *do*. It's what they *enjoy*. If you don't like gore, you have no business seeing serial killer movies. And if it's any consolation, the book was... much more so. So, the bad things: 1) They changed the killer and his motivation, which confused some people. 2) The scriptwriters decided to kill nearly everyone and play with the ending a lot. 3) They... simplified it, I guess I'm saying, which led to some confusion. The good things: 1) Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie were *excellent* in this movie. They were very true to the characters as I saw them. 2) The technology and filmography were great as well. I know this movie was filmed in Canada, but I swore it was actually New York. 3) Other than what the scriptwriters compressed, they were very true to the plot and the dialogue. Thank you, Jeffrey Deaver.Overall, an excellent movie. A must-see.