Review of Collateral (2004) by Matt F — 09 Mar 2012

"Collateral", the much-overlooked 2004 thriller from style-master Michael Mann, almost dethrones "Heat" as Mann's best work ever. It comes so close that, if it weren't for a rushed and somewhat contrived closing half-hour, I might have been inclined to award it such a distinction.

The film takes place follows thirtysomething cabbie Max (Jamie Foxx), who has the pipe dream of starting his own limo company. He unwittingly picks up trained assassin Vincent (Tom Cruise), who will pay him handsomely if he will chauffeur him to and from five separate hits over of the course of one evening.

Bolstered by exceptionally strong acting (with Cruise stepping out of his comfort zone and into an intense villain role), it also features Mann in top form. His sweeping direction and always exemplary camera work stand tall throughout, undone only slightly by the fact that this runaway freight train of a movie almost screeches to a halt at the climax.

With great characters and a fantastic look at Los Angeles after dusk, "Collateral" is not to be missed.