Smart, Gritty and Brilliant!

Rating: 9/10 (31 March 2007)

I admit to not having seen the previous two film in the series, so I wasn't really sure of what I was about to see. I was in for a surprise, as M:I:3 turned out to be the best action film of the year so far. Splashed with unforgettable action scenes and tension, it has definitely earned itself a position in my Top Ten of the year.
The plot starts with pulse-pounding scene in which Owen Davian is threatening Ethan Hunt's wife. The film then takes us back to show us what led up to that event. It is really all about something called the "Rabbit's Foot" which Owen wants at all costs. The plot is simple, but it develops throughout leaving you to try and guess who is in league with Owen.
Tom Cruise is Agent Ethan Hunt for the third time, and I must confess that I have a grand admiration for him, even though he has never yet won a golden statuette. Also in the film are couple of characters, which aren't that developed, mainly Ethan Hunt's associates and Philip Seymour Hoffman (fresh from his Oscar winning interpretation of Truman Capote) as the criminal mastermind Owen Davian. The latter was an inappropriate casting for the role mainly due to his. well. physical attributes. Yes, he is way too fat to be a proper rival in hand-to-hand combat with Tom Cruise. Ethan's team-mates are different, but they lack much depth which could have been present. Michelle Monaghan's portrayal of Julia was slightly mediocre, but it didn't really matter. As I have just mentioned, it is Tom Cruise's film and he has proved to still be a gifted actor. After being overshadowed by young Dakota Fanning's terrific (screaming) performance, he has finally been given the opportunity to excel.
However, the core of the film is its breathtaking action sequences. Starting off with a loud and original helicopter chase in a wind farm after the escape from the factory, the film immediately finds its pace and from then on, we are given an action sequence almost every ten minutes. Arguably, the mission isn't impossible until the third act, but it is still an interesting action spectacle. Another scene which piqued my interest was the scene in the Vatican City. What I liked about it was that it was a one of those sophisticated pre-planned sequences, present in "Ocean's Eleven/Twelve". Therefore, you may be slightly disappointed to find that the action becomes rather clumsy in the final scenes.
A problem I found whilst viewing it at the cinema, was that I lost track of what was happening and there was a lot of confusion towards the end when the tables are turned. It is a minor flaw, though, so it shouldn't be an excuse not to see the film. Another slight problem was that the relationship between Ethan Hunt and Julia was rather vague and we didn't get to see the turmoil in their relationship, when Julia becomes suspicious. This was a mistake done to increase the number of explosive action scenes in the film. However, the action is top notch, so once again, this isn't a major problem.
Another thing, which I approved of, was that there is a different scenario for every scene, and this elevated the viewer's interest in virtually every scene  from the dazzling night lights of Eastern Asia, to the class and beauty of the Vatican. It literally takes you from one place to another and intensifies the action places, by setting the scene in places you are unlikely to visit, such as the Vatican underground.
Verdict All I can say is that this one great movie which shall leave its imprint on you. Not to be missed!