Collateral (DVD 2005)

Vincent, Tom Cruise's character in this Michael Mann exploration of the dark side of Los Angeles, is a huge departure from the usual hero he plays, but it is difficult not to like him. In town to make five stops (read five kills), Vincent persuades Max, Jamie Foxx's cab driver, none too gently, to drive him around. Despite the violent nature of their relationship a bond is forged between the two, Vincent taking it upon himself to stand up for and even protect Max when the situation takes a turn for the worst. Both lead actors are superb and downplay the circumstances of their time together. Michael Mann ensures that Los Angeles becomes the third lead beautifully depicting the glories of the city by night. The colours of a city still on the move during the early hours illuminate a dark night for the characters and at times you feel as though you are a tourist being taken on a tour of 'those' areas you normally wouldn't visit.
This is an outstanding film but I felt that the ending was slightly tainted by some lazy plotting. This could be too analytical a view of a couple of scenes but for me it did detract from an otherwise tight plot.
On the strength of this tough guy performance from Cruise and a 'Joe Public' turn from Foxx I would strongly recommend this film, but then any fan of Mann's movies will already know that.