Filmfemme

Rating: ***1/2

Review: This isn't exactly my favorite genre of film, but I really enjoyed it. I think it's because I get attached to characters who have dreams, especially unrealistic ones. The less likely the dream, the sadder I get. This inevitably leads to a feeling of protectiveness for the character. In Collateral, this would be Jamie Foxx's cab driver Max. Sure, he's been driving for years, but he hasn't given up on owning a limousine service with island-themed limousines. When he talks about it, you can see the hope and pride he feels when he thinks about it. I really appreciate that in a character.

This movie is also an interesting little study in dark comedy. There were many times when people laughed at the violence being portrayed. I imagined them thinking, That guy got shot in the head! That is hilarious! Tom Cruise, you're such a kidder. There were seriously tons of moments that shouldn't necessarily have been funny but were, judging by the laughter. Situations that would be horrific in reality were suddenly comical, and I was left feeling curious. I mean, I laugh at Quentin Tarantino movies, but the laughs didn't feel as warranted here. Eh, it was still a really good movie. I liked it much more than I ever expected I would.