Mission: Impressive

Rating: 9/10 (4 May 2006)

Director J.J. Abrams amps up just about everything that worked in the first two Mission films: the smarts and chicanery of the first; the action at the end of the second. The IMF team is very much part of the story this time round, nicely played by the likes of Ving Rhames, John Rhys-Meyers and Maggie Q. The movie opens with a gut-wrenching interrogation scene that injects real emotion into the ensuing two hours. The villain, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, is such an uncompromising SOB, there's always a great sense of urgency underpinning the flashy high jinx of the team's various missions.
Lastly, Cruise is on top form as Ethan Hunt, the super-agent here given a vulnerable dimension; tying his home life to the story lends him a gravitas missing from the first two movies. There's simply more at stake for his character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this effort. The action is exciting, the pace furious, and the script well above par for a summer spy flick. A terrific start to blockbuster season 2006.