Mission: Impossible is an interesting movie franchise. At first, the series was seemingly borrowing from the success of the 90s Bond movies, then it morphed quickly to become its own thing. By the time the third movie came along, it had completed the transformation into pure adrenaline-fueled action.
Mission: Impossible III features the relentless suspense and action that fans of the franchise have come to love. This third installment showcases the now signature style, and delivers an exhilarating experience from start to finish. Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt with unwavering intensity, he’s the perfect fit for this iconic character. He effortlessly embodies the relentless determination and physicality required to pull off… impossible missions. Even now, almost 20 years later, he still crushing it as Hunt.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with a standout performance from Philip Seymour Hoffman as the menacing villain Owen Davian, Hoffman brings a chilling malevolence to the film, making Davian arguably the most memorable adversary in the series.
Julia (Michelle Monaghan), is Ethan’s love interest in the movie. Monaghan gives depth and emotional resonance to her character, adding a layer of humanity to the high-octane proceedings. She’s a great actress and is good for roles like this. She’s down to Earth, yet can handle herself when needed.
Ving Rhames returns to the role of computer hacker and IMF agent Luther Stickell, along with some newcomers to Hunt’s team, the first appearance for Simon Pegg as technician Benjamin “Benji” Dunn, alongside IMF Agents Zhen Lei (Maggie Q) and Declan Gormley (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). The latter two are never seen in the series again.
One of the strengths of Mission: Impossible III lies in its well-crafted screenplay. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns. J.J. Abrams, known for his skill in crafting intricate narratives, weaves together a tale that not only provides thrilling action sequences but also delves into the personal life of Hunt, making the stakes feel higher and more personal.
Visually, the film’s stunning cinematography captures the grandeur of international locations, going from the Vatican City to Shanghai and beyond. The action set pieces are expertly choreographed, with heart-stopping stunts. From the exhilarating opening sequence to the climactic showdown, Mission: Impossible III delivers non-stop excitement and spectacle.
Over the years, more movies have seemed to come from the same place as these earlier Mission: Impossible movies when it comes to action, including the most recent Bond films. Even comic book movies have some of the same sense of action. Not to say this franchise invented anything new, but it definitely influenced others that came after.
In addition to its action-packed nature, Mission: Impossible III also explores deeper themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of one’s actions. These thematic elements add emotional weight to the story, elevating it beyond a mere action flick and making it a more well-rounded cinematic experience.
One drawback to the movie, the fast pace and relentless action can occasionally overshadow character development. Hunt’s team, which is, as loyal as ever, doesn’t get much time to resonate. That said, the sheer entertainment value and thrill of the movie more than compensates for this shortcoming.
Mission: Impossible III is a must-watch for fans of the franchise and action movie enthusiasts alike. With its outstanding performances, gripping storyline, breathtaking visuals, and intense action sequences, it keeps the Mission: Impossible series at the top of its game. J.J. Abrams injects a fresh energy into the franchise, setting the stage for future installments, that are still coming out.
If you’re looking for a blueprint for making a successful franchise that pleases almost everyone, look no further than the Mission: Impossible movies. Sure others stay successful, but usually at the cost of caring about the source material and churning out product. This series doesn’t sacrifice substance for style.
Check back every day for movie news and reviews at the Last Movie Outpost
