The Bone Collector: Campy yet riveting crime-thriller starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie

Hollywood in the ‘90s frequently offered captivating gems that held our attention and interest from start to finish. Some may knock them for being a tad exaggerated and for leaning on set pieces and plot devices. But films such as Tremors, Army of Darkness, and the iconic Romy and Michele's High School Reunion are classics that have earned a cult following over the years. The ‘90s investigative thriller The Bone Collector surely fits the bill as a 90s classic and it’s our Lost and Found for today. While 1999 crime thriller strays from the conventional ‘90s popcorn cop film as it offers a blend of grounded realism, laced with occasional over-the-top set pieces to render an unforgettable cult classic.

The film is directed by Philip Noyce, who has helmed other cult classics such as The Saint, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger. And like most of Noyce’s films, The Bone Collector, features a star-studded cast and edge-of-your-seat entertainment, albeit without the polish of some of the more acclaimed films in the genre. The film stars Academy Award-winners Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie in lead roles. Washington plays the role of a former forensic analyst, Lincoln Rhymes, who becomes a quadriplegic, after suffering a tragic accident. The accident leaves Rhymes both mentally and physically broken but still capable of assisting police detectives to get to the bottom of complex crimes. When a young patrol officer, Amelia Donaghy, played by Jolie, discovers a mutilated corpse at an abandoned rail-road bed, Rhymes finds a reason to cling on to life. Both Rhymes and Donaghy conclude that a serial killer is at large, who is on the hunt for more victims and is planting clues that urge investigators to join the dots. Soon enough, the two lock their talents, Rhymes from his hospital bed and Donaghy as his eyes and ears on the ground, to initiate a singular investigation into the sordid affair.

The film features a star-studded supporting cast of Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, Mike McGlone, Luis Guzmán, Leland Orser, and Ed O'Neill. The film might not feature thought-provoking themes or well-written dialogue, but certainly delivers a nail-biting investigative thriller.

Well, that's all we have for today’s episode. Until the next one, this is your host Nikhil signing out.

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• Written by Ryan Gomez

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