Collateral
Performance & Direction: Collateral Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Collateral (2004) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Collateral features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Cruise . Supported by the likes of Jamie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Collateral
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2004, Collateral is a Drama, Crime, Thriller film directed by Michael Mann. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tom Cruise.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Cab driver Max picks up a man who offers him $600 to drive him around. But the promise of easy money sours when Max realizes his fare is an assassin. The screenplay takes time to develop Tom Cruise's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Tom Cruise's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Collateral
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Michael Mann, Collateral resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Tom Cruise, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Collateral reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Collateral Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Collateral incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime, thriller film directed by Michael Mann, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Tom Cruise's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Collateral adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Collateral?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tom Cruise or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Collateral
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $65.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $220.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Collateral Budget
The estimated production budget for Collateral is $65.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Collateral
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Collateral Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstar🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeCollateral Parents Guide & Age Rating
2004 AdvisoryWondering about Collateral age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Collateral is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Collateral is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2004 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Collateral worth watching?
Collateral is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Collateral parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Collateral identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Collateral?
The total duration of Collateral is 120 minutes, which is approximately 2h 0m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Collateral
How Collateral Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Collateral
Pretty good for a Tom Cruise led movie, but he's still bloody playing Tom Cruise. Just Tom Cruise with even stupider hair. Tom Cruise. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
Well made thriller with Cruise turning one of his better performances (argument could be made deserved an Oscar nod), same with Jamie Foxx. A bit preposterous at times and some convenient moments (like when the cops let them go), but still entertaining and engaging until the very end. **4.25/5**
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
