LA cabbie Max Durocher is the type of person who can wax poetic about other peoples lives which impresses U.S. Justice Department prosecutor Annie Farrell one of his fares so much that she gives him her telephone number at the end of her ride. Although a dedicated man as seen through the efficiency in which he does his work he cant or wont translate that eloquence into a better life for himself. He deludes himself into believing that his now twelve year cabbie job is temporary and that someday he will own his own limousine service. He even lies to his hospitalized mother that he already owns one with a further lie that he tells her as such primarily to make her happy rather than the truth which is that he wont do anything to achieve that dream. One night Max picks up a well dressed man named Vincent who asks Max to be his only fare for the evening. For a flat fee of $600 plus an extra $100 if he gets to the airport on time Vincent wants Max to drive him to five stops ...
Review
Who would have ever thought that Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise would be an on screen duo Well it has happened in fine fashion. Michael Manns articulate direction and his obsession with nitetime LA have made this film fast paced an smooth looking. The basic plot revolves around Foxx as a cabbie who catches a stroke of bad luck by acquiring Cruise as a passenger. Cruise turns out to be a hitman who is picking people off as his temporary employer sees fit. A wild ride through LAs nightlife gives way for a journey of selfrealization for Foxx (whom dreams of his own limo company and tropical islands). The slick script and sophistication of the plot and character development always keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Although this movie has received good ratings I feel that the film is slightly overlooked. Collateral serves as a great model for how thrillers should be made and it delivers a great breakthrough performance by Foxx. Well Done!
