Cruise control

Rating: 9/10 (4 November 2005)

I always believed the best Michael Mann thriller was 'Heat' but Collateral gave it a run for its money.
Collateral is a terrific film. The all-star cast of Heat may have been absent but it's 'on the edge of your seat' stuff.
Tom Cruise plays a contract killer called Vincent that has been assigned five hits in one night. Unknown to an LA cabby called Max (Jamie Foxx) he will soon realise of Vincent's intentions and be forced to drive him around the city whilst Vincent finishes the job. Things don't run too smoothly for Vincent as Max decides to disrupt the work of the smooth talking assassin as much as possible.
Collateral is filmed in the beautiful backdrop of late night Los Angeles and the slow methodical style of Mann really eases you into the film. Impressive camera work captures the landscape of the city with dark skies illuminated by the natural glow of the streets and buildings below.
The film relies on the dialogue between Cruise and Foxx as most of it takes place between the two characters in the cab. As you're watching the film Vincent and Max debate the moral issues of the killing of other human beings and deep soul searching takes place. Michael Mann cleverly creates the argument to support Vincent's view of his work and how human life is really insignificant. At certain points you are drawn into actually almost agreeing with Vincent and his outlook on life.
As the film goes on and the two characters trade verbal blows you almost get the sense that the pair really need each other to review their current paths in life. Max attacks Vincent's state of mind and views on taking lives and Vincent retaliates by questioning Max and his so called dream of running a limousine company.
My favourite scenes in the film were Max having to meet up with Felix pretending to be Vincent and the shoot-out in the club 'Fever'.
Collateral is supported by a superb soundtrack and fits the mood of the film perfectly.
As the film reaches its thrilling finale Max and Vincent will face off against each other but only one man will be left standing.
Collateral is an adrenalin pumping, action packed couple of hours that won't leave you disappointed.
'Think anybody will notice?'