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Collateral

(2004, Rated R, Drama, Starring Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Powerful but violent thriller -- not for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Diverse characters.
  • Violence:

    Extreme and graphic peril and violence, many characters killed.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Very strong language.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking, drug references.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Collateral

Parents need to know that this movie is extremely violent, with constant tension and peril and many graphic shoot-outs. Many people are killed. Characters use very strong language, drink and smoke, and there are references to drugs and drug dealing.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Vince's ability to compartmentalize. He says he did not kill one of the victims, "the bullet and the fall killed him." Notice the way that Vince is always to the left of Max except in one scene. Which scene is that and why? What were Max's options? What is the meaning of the title? Who or what serves as collateral?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A must-thriller if you like Tom Cruise or Jamie Foxx.

    Overall, I was very satisfied with this movie. I did not expect much out of it at first, but it turned out amazing. It is rather simple in a way and might be too slow for some people to watch. This is NOT appropriate for any child younger than 14. There is constant use of foul language. There is also alot of shooting, which can get mildly graphic, such as a shot in the head. But overall it was worth the watch.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 3.0

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0

    Why make this movie?

    Ok, a view into the life of a hit man can seem like an interesting concept - but why? Why devote hours of your life to learn about the scum of society. The movie is pretty boring and Jamie Fox's character never hits the right moment and stands out as a real hero. He just seems like a incapable sort of loser. I guess I wonder why people whould pay money to people who produce "downer" movies or movies that glorify the lowest forms of life like the also terrible movie "monster" or "pulp fiction". Why make pseudo-stars or heros of characters who are killers & murderers. Eventhough these characters eventually get theirs, they are still given much more mindshare than people who are actually doing good things in the world. What does it say about us when good dosen't sell? Especially for teenagers, these movies carry no redemming qualities. As a pure escape only, it was just ok.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 4.0

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