A “masterpiece” neo-noir thriller starring Tom Cruise is streaming now in the UK. Collateral (2004) tells the story of a Los Angeles taxi driver Max (Jamie Foxx) who picks up Vincent (Cruise) a mysterious character offering good money to be taken to a number of locations.
But Max soon learns the sinister reason Vincent is making these stops, and that he is in mortal danger. The all-star cast also includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, Javier Bardem, and Bruce McGill. It was directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Michael Mann, known for several modern classics including Heat (1995), starring Hollywood legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
Fans have taken to IMDb to laud the film’s gripping premise and performances. One wrote: “Special kudos to Michael Mann. He has a very interesting eye when it comes to capturing the city of Los Angeles on film.
“His vision of L.A. in this film is one of unease and uncertainty, hardly the usual glitz and glamor treatment.
“This work is always compelling to the eye and paced to keep the action moving ever forward. Each scene has its own logic, contributing to the overall whole. This is first rate film-making.”
Another wrote: “Take the simplest of stories, say, two guys meeting, at night, in a taxicab, in Los Angeles, and turn this into, not just a mesmerising visual experience but a poignant unselfpitying portrayal of the metaphysics of alienation in the 21st century, and you have crafted the rarest of the rare, namely a cinematic masterpiece.”
A third added: “This movie is filled with suspense, drama, and good chemistry between the two leads. It deserves all the praise it got!”
A fourth said: “This right here, this is a movie. Simple plot, action scenes are perfect and not over the top, the chemistry between Fox and Cruise is perfect.
“Visually great, sounds and music are spot on, the depth of the characters are great. Just a tremendous Movie to watch on a lazy Saturday night with wine and popcorn. 8/10.”
A fifth said: “If you liked “Heat” and are looking for a movie that not only develops characters through superb dialogue and great action scenes…definitely check out this movie.”
The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong language and violence – so viewer discretion is advised.
Collateral was added to Amazon Prime Video in the UK on Thursday, March 19.
