The Bone Collector - 1999

Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures

Directed by Phillip Noyce

Cast:

• Lincoln Rhyme – Denzel Washington
• Amelia Donaghy– Angelina Jolie
• Thelma – Queen Latifah
• Captain Howard Chesney – Michael Rooker
• Detective Kenny Solomon – Mike McGlone
• Eddie Ortiz – Luiz Guzman
• Richard Thompson – Leland Orser
• Detective Paulie Sellitto – Ed O'Neill

Story: A New York City taxi driver is killing people and leaving cryptic clues to his next victims. A young cop, about to take a transfer, is first on the scene of the first murder, Her training kicks in and she preserves the evidence, taking extra care to make sure everything is done correctly, even stopping an Amtrak train from running over some of it. Since the murder victim is a prominent developer and his wife is missing, the detectives are under pressure to locate the wife, so they call on a forensics specialist who is still technically a police officer, even though he has been quadriplegic for nearly four years. His apartment is transformed into a squad room, and the young officer is drawn into the investigation as they accumulate the clues that will lead them to the next body. Battling time, the interference of a NYPD captain, they work together to discover the murderer.

Review: A startlingly good performance by a heretofore rap star brings this exceptional crime drama to life. Queen Latifah is poised, polished, and professional as Thelma, the live in nurse who cares for Lincoln Rhyme, played by Denzel. Rhyme is an academic cop, a forensics expert who's life has been reduced to what he can manage from his bed, with the help of his assistant and nurse. Angelina Jolie is perfect in the role of the young police officer who has talent and is convinced it may lead her toward the same path as her police father. Micheal Rooker plays the Captain, once Rhyme's understudy and now uncomfortable with living in his shadow. Ed O'Neill and Mike McGlone are add the right tone as the more experienced detectives, and Luiz Guzman shines as the talented forensics scientist who analyzes and assesses the physical clues. The film is fluid and never pauses, and the ensemble cast is a testament to both director and casting agent. Definitely not a film for the kiddies, since there is graphic violence and some images that might even disturb adults. If you are a fan of who-dun-its, this film is for you.