I was surprised I liked this!

Rating: 7/10 (14 December 2008)

This isn't usually my type of movie so I had never bothered to see it. Well, TNT has been running it constantly the last several weekends and my 12 yr. old son happened to watch. He said it was one of the best movies he has seen and even thought I might like it. But my tastes and my son's don't always jive - but I thought I'd try it.
Well, I have to say I found it very entertaining and definitely action packed. But not too much action because I don't like the kind that has your head hurting from all violence,etc. The special effects are amazing and everything looked so realistic. That is, from a visual perspective at least - that's not to say everything is logical or plausible. I also liked that there was good plot development which I often find lacking in some of the action packed movies. Seems a lot of movies in that genre think that if they are loud and fast enough, and blow up enough things and crash enough cars, that plot isn't necessary.
Cruise really puts his heart in his performance, as he does most of his roles. I haven't seen any of the other MI films so I was surprised to not feel lost watching just the 3rd installment of the franchise.
The musical score is very engaging and matches the action without being too distracting. And who doesn't recognize the very distinctive MI theme? All in all, a great way to spend an afternoon. Highly entertaining!