Mission: Successful...

Rating: 7/10 (6 August 2006)

Mission: Impossible III covers the story of agent Ethan Hunt who has retired from IMF, in favour of settling down with his fiancée Julia. Hunt is recruited for another IMF operation, by Director Musgrave. Hunt initially refuses, but when he realises that his protégée, Lindsay Farris, has been kidnapped by Owen Davian, a black market arms dealer, Hunt gets himself wrapped up into a flurry of trouble.
Mission: Impossible III begins in medias res, with Ethan and Julia, both tied up, and Davian who is threatening to kill Julia, if Ethan does not tell him where the 'rabbit's foot' is located. This torture scene definitely sets up the story to follow, and is in fact, one of the most intense scenes I have encountered in my cinema viewing. When the same scene is played again later in the movie, the abundant emotions you feel for Hunt and against Davian, absolutely overwhelm you.
It's this sort of intensity when begins to fade during the movie, though not entirely. The action sequences are well filmed, but never become truly spectacular to the point where they are awe-inspiring. Strangely for a film of this kind, its the emotional impact which keeps the films alive. Acting is not Oscar-worthy, but Tom Cruise plays his part as Hunt, with a defined sense of cool: in the action sequences, one can see the determination which fills him. Yet, its Philip Seymour Hoffman, as the villain Owen Davian, who really steals the show. His coldness and sense of rationality, brings to life a villain who truly is malicious in his deeds.
The soundtrack is riveting, and no one can forget the adrenaline pumping, Mission: Impossible theme. Sadly, a couple lame one-liners are apparent in the film, and really do feel out of place. Also, the ending is too quick without continuing the emotional journey of Hunt, yet the non-stop action coupled with the strength of the characters, makes Mission: Impossible III the best in the series.
It's by no means a spectacular film, but Mission: Impossible III only goes to show, that no film is impossible to pull off, when all the right ingredients, fall into place.