Thrilling but lacking is probably the best way to describe The Bone Collector.   Teaming Denzel Washington as a paralyzed forensics agent with traffic cop Amelia (Angelina Jolie) as two cops who must work together to solve a case that has terrorized New York, The Bone Collector packs surprises, but alike most other thrillers, the plot is full of holes and doesn't make much sense at times.

The movie opens showing us how the most recognized forensic scientist for the NYPD became bedridden. The next scene shifts to traffic cop Ameila Donaghy. She receives a call from dispatch telling her to go check out a crime scene that was called in. When she arrives, she discovers a gruesome sight. To preserve evidence, as we've seen in the trailers, she stops a commuter train in the middle of the day, tying up the transit system. She then takes photos and preserves the crime scene. Basic stuff she needed to learn to become a cop. But Lincoln Rhyme (Denzel Washington) sees more in her. He sees a great forensic scientist and therfore picks here, from his bed, to head up the forensic investigation. Why? Because of her instincts? Are you to tell me that there are no competent forensic scientists working for the NYPD and therefore we need her to do it? That's just the first of many holes in the plot.

If you try and look past the gaping holes, the basic plot emerges where the good guys are against the bad guys. The film doesn't try and hide who is good and who isn't. It's the basic plot of so many movies past. The movie is quite suspenseful (and unfortunately the 5 people next to me couldn't contain themselves), but all the suspense in the world can't really make this a good movie. The basic premise is original, but the plot and characters are from the same mold of countless other movies.

As an Angelina Jolie fan, I enjoyed this movie for that sole reason. She was good, but she didn't perform to her potential (as I believe she did in Playing by Heart). Denzel didn't really have a chance to show off much of his talent, and Queen Latifah was good, but she didn't stand out. The most surprising performance was turned in by Al Bundy himself, Ed O'Neill. He was convincing and hopefully he can get more good roles after this.

If you go into this movie expecting too much, you'll be disappointed. If you go to see Angelina Jolie and don't care about plot, character development, or just about anything that makes a good movie, you might enjoy it. Suspenseful, but lacking.

Genres: Thriller, Drama, Suspense, Mystery
Rated: R
Runtime: 118 minutes
Talk back in the discussion boards!