Cruise creates a compelling character as Vincent - a contract killer. Vincent's dynamic personality, pristine designer appearance coupled with his magnetic personality and heart of steel make him a particularly effective villian. Jamie Foxx, nominated for an Oscar for his role as Max, is a long time cabbie who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when he picks Vincent up at the Los Angeles airport. Max, has been driving people around for 12 years and his comfortable in dreaming of other things, but is happy in his complacent life. This night however, is anything but mundane. He agrees to taxi Vincent around the city for $600. As far as he knows, Vincent is off doing real estate deals - until one of of his victims falls out the window. Vincent makes Max his "Collateral" as he hijacks his taxi and continues on his mission to kill 5 people that night.

This is a great edgy thriller - from the action sequences to the tension filled dialogue between Vincent and Max. The dark mood is intensified by the ominous glow of the city lights in the background. I actually found myself almost rooting for Vincent - I'm not in the habit of hoping for ruthless killers, but Cruise's unexpected friendly actions towards Max made him human and had me laughing out loud.

I found the ending to be somewhat anticlimactic, but overall I would highly recommend this movie.