A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Murder by Numbers

Date of theatrical release: 2002

Details:

Sandra Bullock

Ben Chaplin

Ryan Gosling

Michael Pitt

Director: Barbet Schroeder

Score: 0

The Review: A pair of privileged, snot-nosed high school kids plan and carry out the perfect murder, with Sandra Bullock as the bright but psychologically screwed-up detective who is trying to puzzle out the pieces. The premise is not that bad, but Bullock is wasted in this largely formulaic set-piece. B&W flashbacks are intercut periodically, adding to the confusion, but they do bring some depth and understanding to Bullock's detective. It drags more than a bit, and doesn't bring the right degree of tension (or energy) to the screen.

Nov-2002

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