Collateral Damage MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

When a terrorists bomb kills his wife and son, Los Angeles fireman Gordon Brewer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) wants the law to capture the killer. But frustrated by their apparent inability to bring El Lobo (Cliff Curtis), an infamous leader of Columbian rebel forces credited for the bombing, Gordon travels to Columbia to find the Wolf himself. However, El Lobo slips away for another attack on America, in its capital city. But Gordon rescues El Lobos wife and adopted son, convincing her to help stop her husband. But can they find the Wolf before he strikes again? Delayed for release by the events of September 11, the intense action film is sure to generate plenty of interest and create emotional discussions.

The film touches on many different topics related to terrorism with surprising candor. Because hes late meeting his family, Gordon blames himself for their death, but he also strikes out in rage with sympathizers or El Lobos rebel faction. In one scene, El Lobo comments about Gordon, as a fireman, saves lives but now desires to take life. U.S. military actions against drug operations in Latin America are compared at one point with terrorist actions, since both kill non-combatants. Both American government and its security are shown in negative light when the intelligence department ignores Congressional instructions and later a terrorist parks an explosive-filled truck under the State Department building undetected. Numerous explosions and brutal killings keep the action going. In one fight Gordon bites a mans ear off, then spits it out. In another gruesome scene, El Lobo kills a man by feeding a snake down his throat. Although no sex scenes interfere with the action, a gratuitous scene of Gordons wife in the shower shows rear nudity, mottled by the shower glass. Numerous obscenities and strong profanity further corrupt COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Warner Bros., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522