Fred couldn't be here this time as we were experiencing technical difficulties.
A Los Angeles cab driver becomes a hostage to a hit man as he fulfills his contract in one night.
There's something to be said for a simple premise being executed extremely well. And Collateral (2004) definitely exemplifies that. While the story isn't the most complex out there it is still engaging from beginning to end, thanks to the two amazing leads, music and cinematography that brings the city of LA to life like never before (though I will have a little more to say on that later).
Speaking of our two main characters; Jaime Foxx, as Max, is good as an every day man trying to achieve his dreams, but maybe stuck in a rut. You get a pretty good sense of his life in such a short time that when an attractive lawyer gives him her number you get the feeling that its the most significant event to happen to him in a while. But, the showstopper of the movie goes to Tom Cruise as Vincent. The screen becomes electric every time he's on screen--which thankfully is for the majority of the runtime! His scenes with him starting out as charming and charismatic, then switching to cold and vicious effortlessly (almost subtly) in an instant are my favorite moments from the movie. And as much as I like seeing Tom Cruise play the hero in his movies, when he get the opportunity to play the villain he seemingly goes all in with it. Just look at his turn as Lestat in Interview with the Vampire. Also, fun fact according to imdb: His tactical draw was so good that it's used by experts in handgun training. Which is very cool if true!
About the only things that hold it back for true greatness for me are three things. First one being, I don't fully care for the digital camera used for the film. I understand their reasons for it and I think at times it can really make the city stand out and look unique, other times it can make the picture come across as blurred and almost out of focus (at least that's the best way I can describe it. I'm not the most technically literate when it comes to all things film making). The second aspect I'm not as enthused about is a slight spoiler for the last 20-or-so minutes of the film; I'm not a big fan when the cab crashes. I know on a narrative level why it should happen, but the strongest parts of the movie take place in the cab. The third reason is the final climax has always left me scratching my head. Again, I understand the narrative and thematic reasons for it, but it feels a little too clean.
But, putting my few gripes aside, this is still a fantastic movie! One that I feel tends to be overlooked today except from the people that know. So, if you're in the mood for a great action-thriller look no further than Collateral (2004)!
Have you seen Collateral (2004)? Let me know in the comments below! Hope you all have a great day!
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