Collateral Damage (2002)

Arnold Schwarzenegger's loyal fans get what they want in this routine but rousing revenge thriller, which pits the aging action star against a Colombian guerrilla terrorist. Schwarzenegger plays a Los Angeles fireman who witnesses the killing of his wife and young son, caused by the terrorist's bombing in a crowded L.A. pavilion. Despite intense scrutiny by FBI and CIA officials, Arnie infiltrates the terrorist's remote jungle compound, enlists the aid of the villain's seemingly trustworthy wife (Francesca Neri), and plots to foil another bombing in Washington, D.C. Director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive) maintains adequate plausibility even when Schwarzenegger's survival grows absurdly unlikely, and lively roles for John Turturro and John Leguizamo add welcomed spice to the movie's impressive display of military ordnance. Despite its formulaic plot and Arnold's advancing seniority, Collateral Damage still manages to pack an entertaining punch. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Way Underrated, Great Acting from Arnold

I have to say, my expectations were low going into this, but I was pleasantly surprised. I've seen a lot of Arnold's movies, some great, some not so great. This one is definitely near the top.

Arnold plays a firefighter whose wife and son were killed by terrorists. This is actually a multidimensional character. He is enraged by the killing of his wife and son and wants revenge, tries to be a killer as well, yet at his core, he remains a man who wants to save lives. I was reminded of how good an actor Arnold can be.

Yes, some parts of the plot are a stretch, but frankly, no more fantastical than the story of a kid from Austria becoming a huge Hollywood star, then California governor, all after getting through the door by way of bodybuilding. This movie came out around the time Arnold began to let his political aspirations be known, and I can't help but think it's politics that colors many of the negative views expressed here. Also, this movie definitely took a hit at the box office given its subject matter, following so closely on the heals of 9-11.

If you're on the fence with this one, don't get turned off by some of the poor reviews here. Check it out. Citizen Kane or Chinatown it ain't. But it is a thoroughly entertaining action movie, with a little bit of depth and shades of grays. January 18, 2008

pretty good

Not the most realistic movie ever, but it serves its purpose: to make the viewer really angry, take them on a great adventure, and give them some sense of satisfaction. Unfortunately, like most movies that broach the subject, it depicts our CIA in a negative light. September 29, 2007

It's Flex

Usually I like Arnold. But unfortunately Sylvester Stallone is far more ahead than Arnold when considering performance.A very good one to watch. February 4, 2007

Not one of Arnolds best movies...

While this movie was entertaining, it definately is one of the weaker ones! My main issue is with the weak and unbelievable story line! While the action scenes are good, the story seems boring and like something we have seen many times before! An interesting twist or unusual plot line would have helped a lot! The overall mood seems mostly depresing to me!
I can only give this movie 3 stars!
February 1, 2007

Better than expected, but not as good as it needs to be

Collateral Damage threatens to become a good film on several occasions but never quite makes it. Partially it's due to the post 9/11 re-editing that played down the innocent civilian casualties in Arnie's quest for vengeance on Colombia terrorists, but more because it seems that the script was probably rewritten a few too many times to accommodate the Austrian Oak. Some swipes at the duplicity and counterproductive nature of American intervention in South America survive as the war hits home, but the film is ultimately content to turn its revolutionaries into cardboard fanatics (not to mention throwing in a ridiculous scene with a snake in case we don't get the point) and go for the big bangs. Still one of its stars better pictures of the last 12 or so years, though. April 12, 2006

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