About Collateral

Rating: 10/10 (15 March 2005)

Last time i saw a movie this good was ,10 years ago 'the Grifters'. I cant believe its (not butter) a mainstream movie! this small but perfectly crafted movie is a joy. From its low key, muted cinematography to the unadorned , restrained quality story-telling it entertains.
Collateral Honey , you were robbed! Utmost respect for Ray Charles, he remains always, a Titan in 2oth century music. Documenting his life is worthy & long overdue. However for me this movie is the one
Jamie Foxx deserved an Oscar for.
All movie drama should tell a story well without extra immaterial unhealthy garnish.
I'm glad Tom Cruise gets to show the world again that he can in fact act and commits with unexpected skill to a meaty 3d character best ever. He plies his craft humbly and with empathy for his fellow movie makers.
Jada Pinket-Smith chisels out a living breathing woman and blends seamlessly into the mix of a (living,breathing) believable story.
Jamie Foxx gifts us a non-stereotype of a man who lives down the road from you or you or me.
He is the structural beam for our journey into a story more than sum of its parts, and guess what we cant even tell hes doing it! We are with, the people in this story and share their rough ride. For me this film touches that ,that which is inside of us. Its big and small,its all feelings at once ;situated deep inside and i don't care what its called.
So I guess this movie is a gift and all about giving. The actors are allowed to ACT , together! And tell a story with dignity.
We the watchers are allowed to think, be independent and marvel at things we do and don't understand, but HELL we want to try!
The final gift for me in this unpretentious art is that for the first time in o so long i am allowed to fall in love with the characters (in all their perfectly flawed humanity);and savour a square meal of a story in a movie that is for anybody & everyone. Not such ordinary food for masses of individuals.