unexpectedly fun, belated sequel

Rating: Null/10 (4 October 2006)

Having spent years away from the field, IMF agent Ethan Hunt makes plans to wed his unsuspecting civilian girlfriend, until he's recruited for a mission to rescue a missing agent and former trainee (Russell). This leads him to cross paths with an elusive and remorseless arms dealer (a cold, calculating Hoffman) who's in possession of a potent weapon with unknown destructive capacity. An efficient, energetic and suspenseful third installment with a good, coherent story, exciting—though often loud—action scenes, and well-drawn characters. Cruise is required to do more acting here than in the previous two films, and you're drawn into the story as his two lives unexpectedly collide. ***