One night in L.A.

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2004)

In "Collateral", an icy contract killer (Cruise) hijacks a cabbie (Foxx) who he forces to drive him around L.A. while he makes his stops to take care of business. The film neatly knits a scant human story including a babe and some cops with action, drama, suspense, and intrigues into an engrossing if not spellbinding two hour tale. When all is said and done, this taut action/drama ties up all loose ends including the question: Why would a hit-man hire a cabbie to drive him around L.A. instead of renting a car thereby eliminating the hostage/witness problem? And, although "Collateral" doesn't break any new ground and does follow the Hollywood play-book to the letter, it is sufficiently intelligent, busy, unpredictable, and entertaining to be a worthwhile watch for anyone into cop/killer flix. (B+)