Collateral is one of the year's top mainstream films

Rating: 10/10 (16 November 2004)

Collateral is one of those films that pulls you in through characterization and then blows your mind with events. This was easily Tom Cruise's best performance, as Vincent the cold-hearted killer for hire. Foxx was top notch as well, as the cab driver Max thrust into events and situations out of his control. This Tom Cruise doubter has been thoroughly convinced of his place as one of modern Hollywood's true superstars and Foxx's star will only continue to rise after this performance. The characterizations provided by these two men are first rate and speak loudly to any moviegoer who has contemplated the direction of their life as these two characters do. The lives of both Vincent and Max become so intertwined by the end of the movie the death of one of them is a rebirth of the other.
The camera work was the right blend of intensity and subtlety. The city of Los Angeles is on display in this flick like never before as a dark, yet colorful, backdrop for our characters and events. The camera makes love to L.A. with beautiful tracking shots and pans over the Christmas tree lights that are the city. By the end of the movie, one realizes that this film is as much an homage to the city, as a suspenseful character-driven action piece.
Also integral to the feel of the film is the original motion picture soundtrack by various artists. Techno and Electronica beats seem to fit nice and snug next to Hispanic flavored rock, alternative, jazz, easy listening, and movie-themed-tracks. Despite the eclectic nature of the music in this film it all feels strangely "right" and fits the movie as perfect as any hardcore instrumental soundtrack would fit an historical epic, for example.
With all that, and more, this film is one of the best I have seen all year (if not THE best). If you love film, acting, suspense, or the technical aspect of film-MAKING, go see this movie NOW.