Movies

Denzel’s Worst Movie? The Bone Collector EXPOSED!

BBG News

Denzel Washington is a renowned actor known for his dramatic roles across both stage and screen, though his 1999 crime thriller “The Bone Collector” has received significant criticism. With a critic score of just 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film paired Washington with Angelina Jolie in what could have become a classic thriller. The ’90s were an outstanding period for thrillers, producing other successful films like “Crimson Tide” and “Devil in a Blue Dress,” both of which had Denzel Washington as the leading man.

In a distinctive twist, “The Bone Collector” is not your typical tale. This gripping story revolves around Lincoln Rhyme, portrayed by Washington, who is a disabled forensics genius. He forms an unusual partnership with Amelia Donaghy, played by Jolie, a green NYPD officer. Together they chase a serial killer across New York City’s labyrinthine streets. On screen, Washington and Jolie make a compelling duo, ably backed by talented actors such as Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, and Ed O’Neill. Despite the star power that has helped it resonate more with viewers over time, “The Bone Collector” remains largely overlooked as a ’90s thriller.

Why Denzel Washington’s The Bone Collector Didn’t Work

The Plot Is Too Predictable And Safe

In a nutshell, “The Bone Collector” is far from dull, as suggested by its 63% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. On the contrary, it offers an enjoyable experience, mainly due to the dedicated performances of its leading actors and the intriguing mystery at its core. However, there are undeniable flaws that can’t be overlooked. The film’s most significant mistakes lie in its predictable storyline and disappointing plot twists.

In essence, “The Bone Collector” shares many traits with timeless thrillers like “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Se7en,” often cited by critics as superior blueprints for this film. However, while it borrows certain aspects from both horror and detective genres, creating a unique hybrid, it unfortunately falls short in originality and impact. Instead of pushing boundaries or delivering unexpected shocks, it relies on overused tropes without significantly advancing them.

Despite trying to surprise viewers, the movie “The Bone Collector” falls short due to its predictable and implausible plot twists. Though the storyline maintains an acceptable pace, it fails to keep audiences guessing. It’s worth noting that the film is adapted from Jeffery Deaver’s crime novel of a similar name, which may further restrict the movie’s narrative scope. Unlike other ’90s thrillers based on books, “The Bone Collector” doesn’t push boundaries and ultimately leaves little lasting impression.

The Bone Collector Had Enough Potential To Be A Much Better Movie

The Performances Are Stronger Than The Movie’s Narrative

Prior to the late ’90s, director Philip Noyce had established a reputation for creating gripping thrillers such as “Clear and Present Danger” and “Dead Calm,” which featured well-known actors and garnered favorable reviews from critics. At first glance, it seemed that “The Bone Collector” would follow suit, becoming one of the more enduring thrillers of the ’90s.

In spite of receiving unfavorable reviews over time, the movie has garnered attention for Washington and Jolie’s remarkable acting skills and captivating on-screen chemistry. By 1999, Washington had already built a reputation as a skilled dramatic actor, while Jolie was just starting to carve out her niche. Together with their co-stars like Latifah and O’Neill, they deliver commendable performances despite the limited character development in the film’s script.

Lincoln and Amelia’s teacher-student dynamic in “The Bone Collector” novel is just as essential to the plot as the pursuit of the serial killer, which contrasts with Deaver’s original work where their relationship isn’t emphasized as much. Remarkably, in the film adaptation, the pairing of Washington and Jolie mirrors their characters in “The Bone Collector.” As they were both prominent figures in Hollywood at the time, these two actors showcased a fantastic duo whose dedication to their roles underscored the potential greatness that “The Bone Collector” could have achieved.

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2025-05-17 17:18

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