Crap, but fun.

Rating: 7/10 (7 May 2006)

Tom Cruise's latest adventure doesn't break any boundaries, nor does it create any new ones. But who actually gives a damn? 'Mission Impossible 3' is set to be this summer's major blockbuster (until 'Pirates of the Caribbean 2' sails its way onto our screens, at least) and there's absolutely no reason why the film shouldn't enjoy blockbuster success.
The brains behind the latest IMF instalment is J.J. Abrams, the creator of ever-popular American TV series' 'Lost' and 'Alias.' Although his directing fails to deliver in places, M:I-3 has all the hallmarks of a classic action adventure - high octane action, blistering special effects, and less plot than an Asda advertisement.
The film consists of four main action sequences, loosely strung together with the knowledge that our hero Ethan Hunt (a weak combination of James Bond and Jack Bauer) has to save his wife, Julia.
It's a crap excuse to see Tom Cruise run around trying to find, and eventually defeat, the latest villain, Owen Davian, played by the excellent Philip Seymour Hoffman.
A strong supporting cast helps solidify the non-existent plot line, whilst Cruise plays his character with more cheese than ever.
You can certainly match the similarities between J.J. Abrams 'Lost' and 'Alias', with even field agent code names matching that of 'Alias'.
Thrown in for good measure are visits to exotic locations, such as China and the Vatican in Rome, but at the end of the day it is good old fashioned action that stops Mission Impossible 3 from flopping.