Tom Cruise is one of the most famous actors to come out of Hollywood. He is known for performing his own stunts and delivering roles that audiences remember for years. He has fronted huge action films, big-budget franchises and some of the most recognisable characters on screen.
But movie fans say one thriller he starred in has slowly been forgotten over time, even though many now consider it one of his best. The film was released over 20 years ago and has an 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with an 84% audience score. Viewers continue to talk about the way it was shot, and the performance Cruise gives.
Anyone who enjoys crime thrillers, tense night-time settings and character-driven stories might want to revisit this one.
The film in question is Collateral. Released in 2004, the story follows Max Durocher, a Los Angeles taxi driver played by Jamie Foxx, whose night takes a dangerous turn after picking up Vincent, played by Tom Cruise.
Max agrees to drive him to several addresses, only to discover Vincent is a contract killer using the cab to move between targets.
What begins as a simple job quickly becomes a fight for survival across the city.
The cast also includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, Javier Bardem and Bruce McGill.
The film was directed by Michael Mann and is famous for being one of the first major productions shot using digital cameras to capture the look of Los Angeles at night.
Those who have watched the movie say it deserves far more attention.
One person said: “Collateral is a masterpiece of American cinema. Director Michael Mann does a masterful job manipulating texture and tone throughout the movie.”
Another added: “It’s a tremendously stylish crime thriller with Tom Cruise in electrifying form.
“It’s been kind of forgotten over the years but it’s an utterly superb and gripping thriller from start to finish.”
A third wrote: “Tom Cruise is wonderful and it’s one of his best roles. I love the way this movie has been filmed. It almost shows you the dark side of LA as well as the dark side of life.”
Someone else said: “It’s hard to go wrong with a Michael Mann-directed film, especially when it’s a crime movie.
“Collateral is a nearly flawless action thriller with superb acting. It is without a doubt one of the best films ever made.”
The film was a box office hit, earning more than $220 million worldwide, and it went on to receive two Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Jamie Foxx and Best Film Editing. It has also appeared on multiple lists of the best films of the 2000s.
Collateral is available to stream on Prime Video.