MOVIE - COLLATERAL - Review Rating $$$$$ $$$$ (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Tom Cruise (Vincent), Jamie Foxx (Max), Javier Bardem (Felix),
Jada Pinkett Smith (Annie), Emilio Rivera (Paco), Barry Shabaka Henley (Daniel), Irma P. Hall (Max's mother).
DIRECTOR - Michael Mann (Thief, Heat & The Insider)
Collateral is a pleasure to watch because it relishes the opportunity to develop its characters. In the process Collateral proves that doing so can actually ratchet up the intensity of the action sequences that are "interrupted" in the process. The result, of taking the time to do it right, is that the characters drive the action as opposed to the other way around.
Though both, Cruise and Foxx, turn in impressive performances it's Foxx's character (Max) that is more complex and undergoes a greater transformation during the evening. Foxx, better known as a comic actor, handles the transition magnificantly. Cruise, admirably, plays the cold-blooded assassin with subdued intensity. The performances of both actors lend credibility to the unfolding story.
While there is murderous mayhem on tap Collateral is not just another "thriller" filled with car chases (there are none) and snappy one-liners. The movie also isn't filled with scenes obviously included to form the basis of a future video game. In the tradition, of Quentin Tarantino, Collateral is a thinking man's crime thriller.
The movie does deviate, from its successful formula, in the rush to the dramatic conclusion and there are a few plot holes a long the way as well. Neither of these flaws is enough to distract from what is an otherwise excellent film.
Collateral, simply put, is the best movie of the Summer of 2004.
Running time - 119 minutes
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
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