Exciting ending to an acceptable crime story

Rating: 8/10 (12 September 2006)

This Oscar nominated thriller came highly recommended to me by a friend and I'm glad to have watched it after a mixed beginning and middle with a fantastic ending.
Jamie Foxx (Ali, Ray) stars as lonely cab driver Max who wishes for that something else in life but what he gets is not what he has in mind. Foxx is juxtaposed with Tom Cruise (Magnolia, Mission Impossible) who plays a hit-man bent on doing his job as quickly as possible, without any interruptions.
Placing two very different characters side by side was genius. The very unstable character of Foxx was beautifully portrayed and he definitely deserved his Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. Foxx's movements are brilliant. He shivers when troubled, cries when disturbed and releases harsh dialogue when frustrated.
Place him next to the confidant, stylish and aggressive figure of Tom Cruise and you have one of the best partnerships in crime thriller history.
For me personally so far this is my favourite Cruise performance. Mission Impossible II failed to convince me and the acceptable performances in The Firm and the Colour of money didn't make him my favourite actor but from this performance I have finally realised his potential as he portrays the bad guy stereotype beautifully. Aggressive, harsh, business like, somewhat humorous and direct throughout he has brilliant and the pair made this film what it was.
The story was very good. when in the cab at the beginning when the customers are talking general you feel very involved and its very sociable and reflects a real situation, making I believable and acceptable for the audience.
A lot of actions such as Cruise's job may seem clichéd and predictable to some but for me I loved the ending. The film turned around and became fast, upbeat, more involved and riveting stuff and is worth watching just for that.
Having the whole film more or less in the cab works wonders because audiences aren't then involved all over the place but at times is exaggerated and not acceptable because it tags on too long.
Anyone who loves crime and an exciting plot it is a must watch for you But it's the acting that captivates the story, particularly from Foxx who is at his best once again
8/10