A few wise choices elevates the mediocre franchise

Rating: 6/10 (5 November 2006)

Clearly overstepping the predictable boundaries of previous installments, though not altogether triumphing, MI3 nonetheless turns out to be the most entertaining of the three for many reasons, though primarily for the casting of Phillip Hoffman as the villain, and the fluid, engaging direction by JJ Abrams. Essentially telling the same story for the third time, the less exciting original and ridiculously over the top sequel finally meets it's equilibrium in this third installation. Mainly the credit goes to Mr. Abrams for finally getting the tone right for the majority of the film. Displaying remarkable competence, Abrams few (though popular) television credentials still could not have predicted how well this director (and dabbler in all other departments) rose to the occasion for his massive big screen debut. Starting in atypical (though slowly becoming typical) fashion with the climax, the direction manages to stay involved throughout the briskly paced film, almost, but not quite, up until the end. It is only in those final minutes that the film resorts to archetypal fluff that will likely leave a bad taste in viewer's mouths who were appreciating the fresh pace. What really puts the icing on this action packed wallop however, is Hoffman's commanding take on what could only be characterized as a generic bad guy. In just about any other actors hands, this role would be left out to fester in the sun for the stereotypical writing that it is, but in Hoffman's interpretation, somehow the most generic of roles becomes a subtle revelation of classic Hollywood typecasts. Of course, the stunts are what fans want, and stunts they get..While nowhere in the league of the ludicrous stylings of MI2, the action here still manages to be as over the top as ever, Abrams merely opted to photograph and choreograph in a much more realistic fashion. Still nothing to rave about, MI3 does wrap up this trilogy with it's most engaging episode to date.