Directed by Michael Mann (Heat, Ali, The Last of the Mihicans,…)
Starring Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise, and Jada Pinkett Smith
Michael Mann comes through again.
I think Mann has been my favorite director since the movie “Heat.” Not that one film makes a director. He had already impressed me with “The Last of the Mohicans,” and “Manhunter.” And since then, he surprised me with his interesting look at the life of Cassius Clay in “Ali.”
With Mann you never know what to expect- he doesn’t stick to the same genre. But he does stick to incredible film-making.
“Collateral” is a night in the life of a cab driver named Max (Jamie Foxx). But this isn’t any cab driver . . . and this isn’t any night. Max has been driving a cab for 12 years, but he dreams of owning his own limo business someday. Max is keen, observant, and great with people. But his evening strays far from the normal when his “fare” Vincent (Tom Cruise) turns out to be a hit man, using Max to drive him to his 5 targets for the evening.
Max isn’t your normal hero. He doesn’t know how to fire a gun, and he can’t break people’s bones with a single kick. “Collateral” is about a normal guy, stuck in abnormal circumstances. You can relate to Max. You empathize for Max. You like Max. And Jamie Foxx's acting makes you realize that he is a serious contender for an oscar . . . even before you see “Ray.”
Vincent is bad. He’s not another director’s attempt at making the bad guy the good guy. Sure, he has some good moments, and he definitely is good at what he does . . . but he’s the bad guy, and Max is the good guy.
I have to admit, I’m not always crazy about Tom Cruise. But his portrayal of Vincent in “Collateral” is one of his best roles yet, save “The Last Samurai.” Vincent is scary, yet funny. He’s intense, but relaxed. He’s meticulous, but keeps getting into trouble. Tom hit the bulls eye with this role.
Should Kids See It?
Definitely not. The film has language that you’d expect from hit men and anyone else out past midnight in LA. And there are several scenes of violence and shooting. For teenagers? Check out Screenit.com and you make the call.
Should You See It?
If you’re offended by language and shooting, skip this one. The film has no sex or nudity of any kind. The gun scenes are pretty realistic (think of “Heat”) and intense. But they aren’t the gratuitous blood spurts of a Sam Peckinpah film or the growingly popular Tarantino blood baths.
More than just a mindless action flick, Collateral will take you on a cab ride that you won’t forget.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
