Collateral (2004)

86% of critics liked it
(224 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(332,276 ratings)

A taxi driver is unexpectedly taken on the ride of his life in this stylish thriller from acclaimed director Michael Mann. Max (Jamie Foxx) is a cab driver who hopes to some day open his own limo company; one night behind the wheel begins promisingly when he picks up Annie (Jada Pinkett Smith), an… More A taxi driver is unexpectedly taken on the ride of his life in this stylish thriller from acclaimed director Michael Mann. Max (Jamie Foxx) is a cab driver who hopes to some day open his own limo company; one night behind the wheel begins promisingly when he picks up Annie (Jada Pinkett Smith), an attorney working with the federal government who is attractive, friendly, and gives him her business card after paying her fare. Max thinks his luck is getting even better when his next fare, Vincent (Tom Cruise), offers him several hundred dollars in cash if he'll be willing to drop him off, wait, and pick him up at five different spots over the course of the evening. Max agrees, but he soon realizes Vincent isn't just another guy with errands to run -- Vincent is an assassin who has been paid to murder five people who could put the leaders of a powerful drug trafficking ring behind bars in an upcoming trial. As circumstances force Max to do Vincent's bidding, the cabbie has to find a way to prevent Vincent from killing again and save his own skin, a task that becomes especially crucial when he discovers Annie is one of the names on Vincent's hit list. Collateral also stars Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, and Bruce McGill as police detectives hot on Vincent's trail. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Michael Mann
Written By: Stuart Beattie
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Aug 6, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Dec 14, 2004
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Throughout the gruesome cat-and-mouse game being played by Vincent and Max in Collateral, there's something psychologically, dramatically and even sociologically interesting going on.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
This is a tense, first-rate thriller.
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
Most of the time we are with Cruise and Foxx, and their interplay is never less than galvanizing.
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
After that promising start, Collateral ratchets down, gradually, to being only average.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
If Collateral is all formula, it's polished to a fine sheen.
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
Collateral is the best kind of genre filmmaking: It plays by the rules, obeys the traditions and is both familiar and fresh at once.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Powerful but violent thriller -- not for kids.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
It's what good filmmaking is all about, although, to be fair, I wish Mann had picked a better script to start with. (Blu-ray Edition)
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Mann takes a predictably clichéd, far-fetched crime yarn and transforms it into a fascinating thriller.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
If anyone is ever to mount an argument for the superiority of video over film, this movie would of necessity be very near to the center of that argument.
Matthew De Abaitua, Film4
Awesome vision and a compellingly villainous Tom Cruise save this cool contemporary noir from its lukewarm patches.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Every bit as satisfying as a thriller should be, keeping us hanging at every turn. As the credits roll, we are out of breath.
Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review
Strong performances and Mann's muscular direction provide plenty of tension, atmosphere and action-packed teeth.
Garth Franklin, Dark Horizons
It's a solid servicable thriller, one that works throughout watching it but not one that stands particularly out from the bunch...
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
A welcome change-of-pace dramatic thriller, in which the formerly too-emphatic director hints at depth rather than insisting on it.
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
Both actors and the director are having a great time and it shows in every frame.
Prairie Miller, Long Island Press
That secondary character, the LA underbelly as nocturnal gilded cesspool, has never resonated more.
Jay Antani, Cinema Writer
chic, solid filmmaking
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
I loved it.
Pete Vonder Haar, Film Threat
Still a hell of a ride, but could've used a smoother landing.

Read all 22 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

One of the best films by Michael Mann.
Albert K

Super underrated film. In my opinion, Tom Cruise's best performance. Dialogue could use a lot of work and there was pretty bad editing. Tom Cruise carries this movie. Great and engaging character development. The cinematography is definitely worth mentioning. Great crime movie.
Martin S

It gave a lot of respect for Jamie Foxx and it was pretty interesting.
Bethany M

One of Tom Cruises best films. Outstanding.
Sophie B

Good cast with a chemistry. Both believable in their roles. Good narrative however I found the end unsatisfactory.
Kase V

A very well written film that really puts Michael Mann in the spotlight as the director. But it's hard not to notice the brilliance of the script. Everything was pitch-perfect in that aspect. A thrilling ride that just does not stop, and continues to get better and more exciting… More
A very well written film that really puts Michael Mann in the spotlight as the director. But it's hard not to notice the brilliance of the script. Everything was pitch-perfect in that aspect. A thrilling ride that just does not stop, and continues to get better and more exciting with each contract completed by a menacing Tom Cruise. This is definitely one of his better roles. Enjoy this suspenseful, tightly-wound script and movie. You won't be disappointed.
Brad W

I saw this movie really late at night, and how surprised would I be to discover I was watching a really cool and almost flawless movie. Collaterol was tremendously acted, great moral, and awesome plot. Nothing really went wrong until probably the end where I wanted to know what… More
I saw this movie really late at night, and how surprised would I be to discover I was watching a really cool and almost flawless movie. Collaterol was tremendously acted, great moral, and awesome plot. Nothing really went wrong until probably the end where I wanted to know what happens to Jamie Foxx now. But other than that small flaw, this is the perfect movie.
Dan S

A well-casted, well-scripted yarn concerning a taxi cab driver (Jamie Foxx) who picks up the wrong guy (a hitman, played by Tom Cruise) who hires him for the night to drive him around as he offs certain individuals. While there aren't as many action bangs as in Mann's… More
A well-casted, well-scripted yarn concerning a taxi cab driver (Jamie Foxx) who picks up the wrong guy (a hitman, played by Tom Cruise) who hires him for the night to drive him around as he offs certain individuals. While there aren't as many action bangs as in Mann's previous work (see "Heat") it certainly is impressive in many aspects, especially capturing the L.A. night scene. The twist at the end of the film is disappointing since it is really very predictable, which weighs the film down to a large extent seeing it ties everything together a bit too neatly. Still probably worth seeing just for the electric performances by both Cruise and Foxx.
Christopher A

Despite rave reviews, I found this to be a film of two halves. The first half of the film was slow, dull and unengaging to say the least. Tom Cruise plays the hitman Vincent who forces an unwitting taxi driver (Jamie Foxx) to drive him to each of the hits. Who is he killing? Who… More
Despite rave reviews, I found this to be a film of two halves. The first half of the film was slow, dull and unengaging to say the least. Tom Cruise plays the hitman Vincent who forces an unwitting taxi driver (Jamie Foxx) to drive him to each of the hits. Who is he killing? Who knows. Why is he killing them? Who cares. Michael Mann has made a lackluste effort at trying to apply depth to either character and we're left feeling "so what?" However, I did say this was a film of two halves. The final 30 minutes turns into a fast paced thriller, drawing the audience out of their slumber and making them pay notice. Tom Cruise is slick throughout but is really put to good use as the cat and mouse chase ensues. Overall I was dissapointed with Collateral,Its not as clever as it tries to be but people will pretend it is. "Get with it. Millions of galaxies of hundreds of millions of stars, in a speck on one in a blink. That's us, lost in space. The cop, you, me... Who notices?"
Adam M

Tom Cruise's best performance since Risky Business (or maybe War of the Worlds). Jamie Foxx doesn't do a performance, as much as an impression of a person who has to workxx and savexx for a livingxx. High-concept with some good dialogue, but veers into phony existentialism… More
Tom Cruise's best performance since Risky Business (or maybe War of the Worlds). Jamie Foxx doesn't do a performance, as much as an impression of a person who has to workxx and savexx for a livingxx. High-concept with some good dialogue, but veers into phony existentialism and Die-Hard territory, where everyone else is stupid and clueless except for the everyman-hero, one supporting cop and a psychopath. Ending shots and dialogue are very anticlimactic. High-definition video payday for Michael Mann.
Jeff "

Collateral is one of the best Thriller films from director Michael Mann. Just when you thought Michael Mann's masterwork Heat was the ultimate in thrills, Mann cooks up a new breed of thriller. Tom Cruise delivers one of his most blood chilling performances of his career, and he… More
Collateral is one of the best Thriller films from director Michael Mann. Just when you thought Michael Mann's masterwork Heat was the ultimate in thrills, Mann cooks up a new breed of thriller. Tom Cruise delivers one of his most blood chilling performances of his career, and he truly gives his all in this film. The cinematography is excellent and is a high point of this film. A well directed and and acted film, Collateral Follows cab driver Max as he's the unwilling accomplice of Vincent a hitman that has been paid to wipe out key witnesses of a drug cartel. Max becomes collateral as Vincent takes max along for the ride. A high tension thriller; this is quite possibly the greatest Tom Cruise film. I'm a big Michael Mann fan, and when he makes a crime film or Thriller, he really delivers some great on screen. Long after he's gone he'll most likely be remembered for Heat, but Collateral remains a solid piece of work, and is one of his greatest films. To summarize, Collateral is a solid film that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This is a film that will please anyone looking for a phenomenal Crime Thriller. A good cast along with a great script combined with Michael Mann's solid directing make Collateral a film that definitely shouldn't be missed.
Steven C

"Collateral" is my favorite film from Michael Mann (a director whose work is not highly regarded in my book). I do however find this to be a muscular, intense, thrilling, smart and character driven film. Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx have sizzling chemistry and the… More
"Collateral" is my favorite film from Michael Mann (a director whose work is not highly regarded in my book). I do however find this to be a muscular, intense, thrilling, smart and character driven film. Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx have sizzling chemistry and the cinematography is dazzling- I am obsessed with how they shoot and use LA in this film. "Collateral" also has a nice storytelling prowess with how it connects its plot, its characters and its action.
KJ P

Amazing story! Tom Cruise has never been better!
Lady D

I have to admit Tom Cruise was a slick, smooth cold blooded killer in this film and I think its his most natural performance to date. An enjoyable performance too by Jamie Foxx and an almost unrecognisable (small) role for Javier Bardem. Quite an original idea for a hitman film… More
I have to admit Tom Cruise was a slick, smooth cold blooded killer in this film and I think its his most natural performance to date. An enjoyable performance too by Jamie Foxx and an almost unrecognisable (small) role for Javier Bardem. Quite an original idea for a hitman film and one that is a exciting watch.
Conner R

It's not particularly that great of a film, Tom Cruise was just so unbelievably good that it makes it a worthwhile film. He was just a complete 360 from anything I could ever see him in. He changed everything about him from a physical and emotional standpoint. I have no idea why… More
It's not particularly that great of a film, Tom Cruise was just so unbelievably good that it makes it a worthwhile film. He was just a complete 360 from anything I could ever see him in. He changed everything about him from a physical and emotional standpoint. I have no idea why he did not win an academy award for this, maybe he was just too good.
Anthony L

I love the way in which Collateral is filmed but I can't say I thought much of the story or the acting.
Justin Y

Michael Mann and his crime thrillers seem to find a way to stand out among many other films.The story behind Collateral is straight forward and what makes it interesting is the fact that it spans only 1 night. At just under 2 hours, the pacing is moderate… More
Michael Mann and his crime thrillers seem to find a way to stand out among many other films.The story behind Collateral is straight forward and what makes it interesting is the fact that it spans only 1 night. At just under 2 hours, the pacing is moderate and there are only a few times where the movie drags. The characters do keep it entertaining. The beginning does a nice job at building up Jamie Foxx's character and also secretly setting up the story. The rest of the film is all suspense and violence.There are moments where this picture looks as if it is a B-movie. The resolution is a bit grainy at times and some of the camera angles do seem amateurish, however we all know that Michael Mann is behind the scenes making everything work.A contract killer is a bit of a different role for Tom Cruise and, as usual, he pulls it off. Jamie Foxx also delivers a good performance. Mark Ruffalo and Peter Berg's characters go nowhere as they just add a little more diversity to the story. Jada Pinkett Smith and Javier Bardem also have integral roles in the picture.Collateral is not as explosive as action thrillers go, but the story and lead characters keep this one entertaining to the end.
Chris W

Michael Mann established long before this film that he knew what he was doing as a director. This film is certainly a great reminder though. Loaded with symbolism and subtle, brilliant little touches throughout, Collateral is a gripping and intense modern noir thriller. Both the leads… More
Michael Mann established long before this film that he knew what he was doing as a director. This film is certainly a great reminder though. Loaded with symbolism and subtle, brilliant little touches throughout, Collateral is a gripping and intense modern noir thriller. Both the leads give excellent performances, and it's impossible to decide who shines the most, whether it's Cruise going against type (and succeeding) by playing a col, ruthless villain (and succeeding by not going over the top) or Foxx who proved (before the Oscar win) that he has chops for serious acting, which is why he got a nod for his portrayal of a mild decent man who rises to the occassion (even if it goes against his normal behavior) to stand up and truly do the right thing. Once again, Mann knows what he's doing. His ability for camera placement (in all of his films) is unreal due to how great it is. The guy just knows where to put the thing. Unlike one blog post I read, I don't care one way or the other about the fact that this was shot on video. It looks great, but then agin, it would have lloked great anyway. However, I think it does add just a little bit more (a tad) in the atmosphere and mood departments. Bottom line: highly recommended...for everything about it.
Aaron N

Vincent: Okay, look, here's the deal. Man, you were gonna drive me around tonight, never be the wiser, but El Gordo got in front of a window, did his high dive, we're into Plan B. Still breathing? Now we gotta make the best of it, improvise, adapt to the environment, Darwin,… More
Vincent: Okay, look, here's the deal. Man, you were gonna drive me around tonight, never be the wiser, but El Gordo got in front of a window, did his high dive, we're into Plan B. Still breathing? Now we gotta make the best of it, improvise, adapt to the environment, Darwin, shit happens, I Ching, whatever man, we gotta roll with it. A unique story, with a solid cast, made even better by Mann's direction and use of digital cameras to capture Los Angeles at night. Jamie Foxx stars as Max, a simple cab driver. He starts off his shift pretty well, meeting an attractive D.A., played by Jada Pinkett Smith, and striking up some chemistry, but his next fare proves to be a little more to handle. Max: Hey. [stuttering] Max: He, he, he fell on the cab. He fell, he fell from up there on the motherfucking cab. Shit. I think he's dead. Vincent: Good guess. Max: You killed him? Vincent: No, I shot him. Bullets and the fall killed him. Enter Tom Cruise as Vincent. He plays a hitman who essentially abducts Max and forces him to escort him around LA, helping him get to each target he has for the night. As the bodies start to pile up, more characters including a cop played by Mark Ruffalo and Vincent's employer played by Javier Bardem come into play and get involved in this taxi cabs affairs. While this movie is definitely in the thriller genre, it is certainly a good character film with some interesting drama as well as a good sense of humor. The more I watch this, the more I see the various elements that make up the main characters and how these aspects are slowly revealed over the course of the film, reflecting themes of the film through the two leads. Max: First time in L.A.? Vincent: No. Tell you the truth, whenever I'm here I can't wait to leave. It's too sprawled out, disconnected. You know? That's me. You like it? Max: It's my home. Vincent: 17 million people. This is got to be the fifth biggest economy in the world and nobody knows each other. I read about this guy who gets on the MTA here, dies. Max: Oh. Vincent: Six hours he's riding the subway before anybody notices his corpse doing laps around L.A., people on and off sitting next to him. Nobody notices. Foxx and Cruise are very good together here. Foxx downplays his character to make you care for him as well as go along with his point of view of a man trapped in an impossible situation. At the same time you have Cruise being cooler than ever as a man locked into his work and maintaining a certain attitude that fits his surroundings. Vincent: There's no good reason, there's no bad reason to live or to die. Max: Then what are you? Vincent: I'm indifferent. The majority of the film is shot with a digital camera giving this thriller a very unique look, especially in portraying LA at night, something Mann is very good at doing. It is a Michael Mann film, which means that not only does the movie look good, but it has a pretty cool vibe throughout, complete with well handled action, good performances, and a good soundtrack/score that blends the different flavors of LA culture. While the end of this film falters a bit by way of giving in to a cat and mouse game, Cruise, Foxx and Mann all make this a film that functions very well and delivers on its neat premise. Max: Why didn't you just kill me and get another cab driver? Vincent: Cause you're good. We're in this together. Fates intertwined. Cosmic Coincidence. Whatever.
E.J. B

Suffers from a lacklustre ending.