tense thriller which grabs and holds you

Rating: Null/10 (24 August 2004)

Gritty thriller from director Michael Mann which plays as a character study between two very different men from two very different worlds. One is a calculating, cold-blooded contract killer, the other an everyman cabbie with big dreams but little to show for it. Their interaction is the basis for this riveting story, as the cab driver is coerced into driving the reprehensible killer from one "appointment" to the next. Sharply directed with a vivid portrayal of the L.A. streets, the film never lets go as it takes viewers into a world of deception, murder, and the very depths of human nature. Cruise is excellent and delivers one of his most memorable performances to date as the remorseless assassin Vincent, and the film is a good showcase for Foxx who's simply riveting as his unsuspecting accomplice. Falters at the finale, but still lots of entertainment value due to the cat-and-mouse game between two strong leads. ***