The 2004 thriller is really worth a look. And the term “thriller” is accurate, especially when a train ride is involved.
Tom Cruise, as “Vincent” the deadly, grey haired mystery man, jumps into a cab driven by “Max”, Jamie Foxx, and the 2 of them are off on a fast night of cat & mouse games.
Foxx is excellent. He was nominated for Academy Awards for “Collateral” and the Ray Charles movie – he won for his portrayal of the legendary singer – but, I think he could have won for his work in this film. His turn as the confused, terrorized, Los Angeles cabbie is terrific – the viewer becomes invested in the suspense and the action and wants the good guy to win. (In this case, “winning” means staying alive.)
Well directed by Michael Mann, (“Heat”, “Inside Man” “Miami Vice”),besides the great work of Cruise and Foxx, the super cast includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem, Barry Shabaka Henley, and Irma P. Hall.
“Collateral” – good movie!