Not all movies are judged using the same criteria and sequels have a more difficult time than others. The “Mission: Impossible” series certainly began well. I thought the second installation wasn’t as good as the first, but then when are sequels as good. Fortunately, “Mission: Impossible III” takes a step forward in this regard.
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is now a trainer, not a field agent. He has a girlfriend that knows nothing of his real line of work. Enter Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and everything changes. Hunt captures Davian after he has one of Hunt’s favorite students killed. Since we know this can’t be the end, Davian promptly escapes in one of the best scenes in the movie. So, Davian kidnaps Hunt’s girlfriend, Julia (Michelle Monaghan) and forces Hunt to recover the most dangerous weapon ever created and exchange it for the safety of his girlfriend. In one of the most elaborate missions yet, Hunt goes after the weapon which is inside, of course, an impenetrable building.
As is expected this movie is filled with fights, explosions and chase scenes. However, what’s not expected is a fluid plot line. Yet, it does have one. The story is well done and begins with director J J Abrams’ “Alias” technique of starting in the middle of the story with a dramatic scene. I don’t necessarily like this, because he usually gives away too much in these scenes. Thus, the drama is not what will happen, but how did we get here. Still, I have used this myself and it has its place and can be effective. In this case, I thought it gave away too much. Still, the movie is well done and the special effects are as grandiose as they should be. This is a first weekend movie without a doubt.
Acting – B+
Director – B+
Writing – B+
Cinematography – B+
Overall, I give this movie a B+.
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