ver since the events of Sept. 11, America has been waiting for a chance to open up a can of whoop-ass. With “”Collateral Damage,”” Arnold Schwarzenegger gives audiences at least one version of revenge.

Gordy Brewer (Schwarzenegger) is a Los Angeles Fire Department fireman who is the unfortunate witness to the murder of his wife and son at the hands of terrorist bomber, “”El Lobo.””

When Brewer realizes that the FBI trail on Lobo has gone cold he takes matters into his own hands. The chase leads him deep into the jungles of Columbia and back to the streets of Washington, D.C. for the final plot twist.

Without a doubt, “”Collateral Damage”” is a true Schwarzenegger movie. Fully equipped with cheesy dialogue and bulging eyeballs, Arnold is at his best. Which, depending on how you look at it, could be good or bad.

While Schwarzenegger is the billed star of “”Damage,”” not enough justice is done to the part of John Turturro (“”O Brother Where Art Thou?””), who offers a brief flash of good acting. Better yet though is John Leguizamo (“”Summer of Sam””) who plays a cocaine lord with a panache for “”campesino”” rap. Unfortunately, he is fully upstaged by Schwarzenegger.

While Schwarzenegger’s bad lines may deter his nonavid fans, director Andrew Davis’ (“”The Fugitive””) smooth transitions from L.A. to Columbia quicken the pace of the film, making it slightly more believable. Those who consider themselves true Schwarzenegger fans, however, should look for a fight scene where he does a Mike Tyson imitation.

Think about the typical Schwarzenegger film: bad guy hurts people, Schwarzenegger has to come in and be the hero, save himself and a couple of other innocent bystanders. “”Collateral Damage”” does follow the formula, but we should at least acknowledge the fact that not once does he use a gun.

Collateral Damage

**

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Turturro and John Leguizamo

In theaters Feb. 8

Rated R