I'll say this, so far there are four movies that are on my best of 2004 list so far.

1. Kill Bill Vol. 2
2. Kill Bill Vol. 2
3. Kill Bill Vol. 2
4. Kill Bill Vol. 2

Well... I'm adding Collateral to make it #5!

It's not what the movies is, but what it isn't! It's not a action packed thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat for two hours. It's not simply about a hitman who kidnaped Jamie Foxx's character and forces him to drive him to his stops where he's contracted to kill five people. It's about two people understanding who the other is through conversations and great dialogue.

Criuse is more than just a killer. He's a man who treats killing simply as a job and how he expresses it through his conversations with Foxx is just amazing! He's also an effective and lethal killer! I mean DAMN! I'll just say that he kills he fair share of people in the movie and leave it at that. His humor is menacing and focused as well which makes him believable as a hitman!

Foxx might get a supporting nod for this role and I wouldn't disagree if he did at least get nominated. However I think he may get a lead actor nod for his upcoming "Ray" bio pic based on the life of Ray Charles.

Anyhoo, this is Foxx's best role to date and I was really surprised to see how effective he was as "Max". He gives his character some complexity that another would probably overlook. He clearly is afraid of Criuse and shocked at his actions, but he doesn't let's the human side appear with bravery at the end to save Jada Pinkett-Smith.

Hell, this movie is so good, I'm giving it a A+!


GD