Review of Collateral (2004) by Adam M — 14 Jan 2012

This film is another taut, stylish thriller from Michael Mann, who is a master of dark atmospheres and suspenseful scenes. It's script is very well written by Stuart Beattie with crack dialogue and interesting characters. Tom Cruise is great is his only role as a villain and Jamie Foxx is incredibly believable in an Oscar-nominated performance as an average guy in over his head. This is possibly one of the best thrillers of the 21st century.

The plot revolves around Max Durocher (Jamie Foxx), an LA cab driver who dreams of starting his own limo company. Only problem, he's been stuck driving cabs for 12 years. One night he picks up the beautiful Annie Farrell (Jada Pinkett Smith), a prosecutor currently working on the biggest case of her career. From the start, there is obviously a spark between them. Later on, when Max is waiting outside the airport, he picks up Vincent (Tom Cruise), who claims to be in real estate, but it is revealed soon after that he is actually a contract killer. Vincent offers Max $500 to take him to all 5 of his "stops". At the first one, the man Vincent kills falls out a 2nd story window and onto the windshield on Max's cab. Max quickly discovers that Vincent isn't who he says he is. Unfortunately, Max is now his hostage and must drive him around all night. Max nears his breaking point as Vincent begins to toy with him. Max eventually tries to save one last victim as he and Vincent engage in an explosive showdown.

While the film is dark and complicated, here's what I think it's trying to say: If you have a dream, go for it, do not put it off. This message is buried under all the elements that make this an excellent action thriller.