Los Angeles After Dark

Rating: 8/10 (7 August 2004)

Director Michael Mann teams up with Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx to make his latest stylish thriller, the first film of his that I've seen in theatres. The heart of this film is Jamie Foxx, displaying acting skills far in excess of what I would have credited him with; I'm now even more interested to see his portrayal of Ray Charles. Tom Cruise is also playing against type, as a nihilistic assassin. Cruise is also good, although the role offers him little to do other than act like a villainous badass. Jada Pinkett Smith, Peter Berg, Bruce McGill, and an unrecognizable Mark Ruffalo are all fine in supporting roles. The movie is clearly Foxx's, however, as the audience identifies primarily with his terrified taxi driver. Mann's direction of Collateral is excellent, shooting with digital film that allows Los Angeles to look like it never has before. Bravo, Mr. Mann. And Mr. Cruise. And Mr. Foxx.