Mission: Impossible III

UK Release Date: 04 May 2006

Certification: 12A
Director: J.J. Abrams
Cast: Billy Crudup, Tom Cruise, Laurence Fishburne, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Michelle Monaghan, Simon Pegg, Maggie Q, Ving Rhames 

Rating: 62%

Review:

Mission: Impossible III saw a return to form for the action franchise after the mishap of Mission: Impossible II. With a whole host of fresh faces both in front of and behind the camera,  a new breath of life helped Ethan Hunt's story stand out from his previous outings.

Firstly, rest in peace Phillip Seymour Hoffman. That man could act. It is by far the best performance within the series. Convincingly menacing with every action, Owen Davian poses a realistic threat to Ethan's morals and ideals. His relentless nature for suffering is frightening. He is never challenged, more feeling bothered and inconvenienced by it all. The new additions to Ethan's crew are entertaining. Really enjoy both Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Simon Pegg as members of the IMF. 

In terms of action, Mission: Impossible III is lacking in invigorating set-pieces when measured with other films in the franchise. And whilst not as bold, colourful or tense, the action still hits. The plan and execution of the mission at the Vatican is brilliantly devised - incorporating scintillating demonstrations of unique spy devices. It's a perfect tie-in to the original film that dealt solely with spy escapes. 

The film provides Ethan with a significant love interest that changes the way he views the world. It gives Mission: Impossible III real stakes, captured expertly in the film's cold open. I enjoy the twist as the film explores corruption at the very top of the IMF corporation. 

Unfortunately, I think the film suffers from the same problem as Mission: Impossible II (just not to the same extent). Similarly, to John Woo, Abrams' style doesn't fit this type of film. He's more suited to a grandiose Sci-fi setting rather than a gritty underworld look at espionage. His direction is nowhere near as accomplished as De Palma's leading to an overall forgettable experience with a few rememberable moments.