Vol. 3, No. 12, December 2006
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DVD Review; Mission Impossible III
Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Directed by J.J. Abrams
It hasn’t exactly been a stellar year for actor Tom Cruise. His couch-jumping antics, Scientology rants and breakup with a major studio put a dent in the star’s popularity. The negative publicity resulted in bad box office for his latest Mission Impossible installment, which is too bad since Mi:III is arguably the best of the lot.
Cruise reappears as super-spy Ethan Hunt, who receives his new mission during his engagement party to Julia (an excellent Michelle Monaghan). Returning from self-imposed inactive duty, Cruise’s character activates a fast-paced and explosive quest to recover a captured IMF agent (Keri Russell).
An element of heart is added to the high-tech mix when Hunt’s fiancée is captured. Hunt reunites with his old group (Luther Strickell, Ving Rhames, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Maggie Q), to rescue his wife and uncover IMF double agents in the process. His quest brings him into contact with a sadistic weapons dealer, Owen Davain (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and the complicated plot questions where loyalties lie.
The best of this movie comes early with a helicopter chase, special effects and spectacular stunts keeping viewers wide-eyed, but Mi:III is not just the typical testosterone-filled action flick. Director J.J. Abrams combines adventure with reality, bringing a human element that was missing in the earlier films. It’s been ten years since the original but Abrams breathes new life into the franchise.
Mi:III spans the globe from Virginia to Germany to China, shifting audiences emotions with every scene.
Mi:III is an ideal mix of solid storyline and action, proving that the third time is a charm. It might not be enough to resuscitate Cruise’s career, but it’s a step in the right direction.
