Underappreciated

Rating: 9/10 (17 November 2003)

Despite the somewhat impersonal and antiseptic feel of this summer of '96 blockbuster film, MI is an excellent espionage thriller. It relies more on plot than mindless action. The plot is not incomprehensible. Just pay attention! If people don't get it, it's likely because they are so used to getting hit over the head and expect everything to be spread on a platter without any active thinking on their part. The action sequences feel as if they serve the story not vice versa and among the highlights are the truly memorable break in to CIA headquarters and the sequence on the train. A competent cast brings the various characters to life. As far as box office receipts go, Ethan Hunt appears to have surpassed James Bond as the public's superspy of choice. But will Hunt ever have 20 films? Only time will tell. I look forward to MI:3.