Tom Cruise stars in the thrid installment of the Mission Impossible franchise, this time directed by J J Abrams, and with Philip Seymour Hoffman as the villain.

 

Where the first Mission Impossible film had a terribly confusing plot, and the second film no plot at all (mainly just a homage to Tom Cruise's hair), this film provides a nice balance between the two, with an exciting plot that is just complicated enough.

 

The influence of J J Abrams is everywhere- especially noticeable if you are an Alias fan- from the style itself (and the elusive 'Rabbits Foot'- the device they are searching for) to the blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance of Alias favourite Weisz at the beginning. Plus Tom Cruise has clearly been visiting Sydney's Wig Shop! Also watch out for spy movie homage- such as the scene on the bridge from True Lies.

 

There are some obvious twists, but overall it's a very exciting, enjoyable couple of hours. Philip Seymour Hoffman is especially effective as a villain, as chilling and realistic as they come.

 

Highlights: Scene where they break into the Vatican, Tom's many disguises which include Monk's garb and 'dress like a Czech'. Any scene featuring Mission Impossible theme.

Low points: Maybe the romantic scenes, but they're not that bad.

 

Mission Impossible 3  8/10  Best so far of the franchise