Mann film cruises on cool

Rating: 8/10 (4 December 2013)

I love new plots in films. This is one of the reasons I loved Collateral. This is something only Mann could do in a fresh tight and slick screenplay, that steers a near flawless film. So so cab driver Foxx who acts well here, leads an ordinary life, driving the cleanest taxi in L.A. He's saving up for his dream of owning a limo business, that's if he ever gets it off the ground. In steps cool handsome Cruise, a hit-man for the mob, where soon these two are in conflict. After all Cruise is practically hijacking the taxi, forcing Foxx to drive around while he makes his kills, the last contract bringing a twist to it's identity, where to a truly intense race against time scenario, ensues. In his first bad guy role, Cruise shows real professionalism, as cool contract killer, Vincent, you actually can't help liking the guy. Despite his evil doings, he's a real character, who we learn about, so important in film. And it's not just Vincent. We are taken on this hairy journey, a fun thrill ride as only Mann could deliver. This movie was somewhat of a surprise, better than I thought it'd be as actually seeing it, before it hit cinema. Of course the cops get a dispatch, just as Foxx was about to open the trunk, as ordered by the cops. Just imagine if the cops didn't, how this film would of panned out. Again the music scores impress as they do in other Mann films. Foxx, Cruise, Pinkett all deliver in what is powerhouse entertainment, an exemplary film you should not miss out on. I hope we get to see Cruise play bad again, some day.