Collateral Movie Review Thread

I figured, hey, since Cory did a review on AVP, I might as well do one on a movie I watched yesterday, at a brand new movie theater that was opened when last week, a new mall was built about 10 miles from me. The movie theater kicks ass, but that's not what this review is about, so I'll move on.

With the sleek and kinetic thriller ‘Collateral’, director Michael Mann has fashioned his best film since ‘The Insider’ and his most remarkable action film since ‘Heat.’ The film is paced like a constantly erupting firecracker as the production wastes little time getting to the point and doesn’t let up until a big conclusion that is the aftermath of many hyper-edited action sequences. Sure to be a box office hit, a rarity for a Michael Mann film, ‘Collateral’ is hands down the best film of the summer.

Max (Jamie Foxx) is a genuine man; drifting along in a life filled with missed opportunities and chances not taken, resigned to being a Los Angeles cab driver for the rest of his life. His past career as a comedy writer didn’t last long before his lack of confidence and, apparently, talent drove him to drive; literally. One night, his life of wasted chances comes to a head when the calm, collected, and most of all, cool Vincent (Tom Cruise) enters his cab.

At first things seem rather normal as Max drops Vincent off and is told to wait. It is not long though before Max gets the feeling that Vincent’s intentions are far from pure. Vincent too gets the feeling that his new driver knows something. That’s when the man pulls a gun on Max and threatens to kill him unless he drives him around to hits, because he, Vincent, is a hitman.

Meanwhile, Detective Fanning (Mark Ruffalo) is on the case. It is not long before he realizes what has happened and who might be doing the killing. Pretty soon it is a race to stop Vincent from killing any more people.

What one first notices about ‘Collateral’ is its look. A gritty, washed out color palette is the rule of the day as Mann directs with energy; framing LA as one big hell hole of a town. Not very flattering, I know, but visually striking nonetheless. The film uses a digital video look; handheld shots are common but unlike Paul Greengrass’ ‘The Bourne Supremacy’ Mann makes it rather simple for the viewer to always know what is occurring. With Mann one gets the sense that every angle, every frame, is pre-planned right down to the most insignificant detail. It must also be known that Mann occasionally alters the viewers’ perceptions by going to the more traditional look of films which one has grown accustomed. This is another strategy that further brings the film into focus; the parallel world that Michael Mann has created out of a well-known city.

The film’s grittiness extends to the actors as well. As Vincent, Tom Cruise is an ice cold shell of a villain; a man on a mission not to be stopped. As an actor, Cruise is at the top of the food chain, and his Vincent is a perfect example as to why he is the most reliable box office draw in Hollywood. At his polar opposite, Jaime Foxx too gives a grand performance. As Max attempts to dig deep inside himself for the courage he never knew he had, Foxx is pitch-perfect. For much of its running time ‘Collateral’ is a two man show and the two men put on quite a showcase.

In fact, the word “Showcase” could be applied to the film as a whole. Not only is ‘Collateral’ an acting showcase, it is also a showcase for the directorial prowess of Michael Mann.

5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this movie for anyone looking for one hell of a ride and willing to open their minds to look past a cab driver and an assassin, and into the minds of the people bearing these masks. Things go a lot deeper than what is first shown. This is definitely a must see.

EDIT: Here are some pictures for those interested:

- Edited By Karuto On Sat 14th, Aug 2004 @ 12:22:17pm

Any crits or comments?

*dun care about dp, since everyone seems to be doing it*

i'm gonna watch it soon:D, i liked your review 8)

- Edited By Neo-Reloaded On Mon 16th, Aug 2004 @ 9:26:17pm

I loved the movie, watched it a week ago. Cruise is not his typical self, and Foxx really makes it all worth watching. He's a better actor than usually given credit for, and the two of them have an interesting chemistry throughout the film.

It gets an A++ from me. Tom Cruise hasent been this good since jerry miguire. Jamie Foxx has never been as good as he is in it. Id say go see it at theaters but definatly rent it if you dont and buy it when it comes out.

I disagree with that, because Last Samurai was complete ownage.

Yeah, I really liked "The Last Samurai." It really constituted for my love of samurais (Which is why my mod's main character is one), and it brought a lot of insight into the Meiji era of Japan's history. Plus, Ken Watanabe (leading samurai protagonist in the movie) was just totally badass

Thanks a lot for the comments on the movie, guys. If you want any other movies reviewed before you go see it, just ask, since I watch movies all the time

Last Samurai is a ridiculously bully movie. I trust yor collective opinions and will see it once I git back to ATL.

Bully? What do you mean bully?

wicked movie

I watched The Last Samurai and I really liked because it is like a lessons of not doing what others people want you to do and to do what you believe that is right. And the scene when they use the Gatling Gun really make you think of the atrocities of War.
I never watched Collateral, when was it released ?

yea it looks cool but it justs looks kinda like they r just rifing around shooting people in a taxi lol Ill probably go see it sometime

Chewie, Collateral just came out a couple of weeks ago here in the U.S. I don't know about Brasil.

Karuto wrote: (Which is why my mod's main character is one)

Yeah, albeit a high tech one who fights aliens and uses plasma weapons and energy flechettes.

Anyway, I probably will see a lot of movies, once they come out. I like renting them. *Pushes pause* Piss and snack break! Then, once you've gone to the bathroom and got your munchies, all you need to do is press play.

Yeah, well, it doesn't hurt to see the movies as soon as they're released so you have something to talk about with your friends. I don't really like waiting 6 months for the movie to come to DVD, while my friends go see the new "Lord of the Rings" movie before I do and ruin all the best parts

Besides, if you can't handle keeping a bladder for 2-3 hours, then you got to check with a doctor on that one

Yeah, albeit a high tech one who fights aliens and uses plasma weapons and energy flechettes.

A samurai is a samurai, no matter how you modify him.