Review of Mission: Impossible III (2006) by Gary S — 08 May 2012

Lighting the fuse for the third time, we have once again become guests in a world where masked identities and high-tech gadgetry is just business as usual. Briskly paced and stuffed with suspense, the two-hour running time is anything but conspicious.

At least in comparison to the inferior "MI2", which often prompted a few looks at the clock. This time around, the cast has received a nice upgrade as well, with the versatile Philip Seymour Hoffman as a malicious and very believable villain.

Other additions include the sleek and sexy Maggie Q, a well-performing Laurence Fishburne and the very humorous Simon Pegg. All of whom does spot-on work with their roles, together with established veterans Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames.

A lot of compliments can be given to the action as well, where the explosions and gunfire comes in rich and generous supply. It also boasts an advantageous increase in charm and sentiment; so if you're the type of person who enjoys a little humor with the thrills (as well as some tender romantic moments), you won't be left unsatisfied.

For some reason though, I only gave this a 3 out of 5 rating when I first saw it back in 2006. Maybe I was having a bad day or something, because on this second viewing, I thought it was just as great as the original.

A smart, ambitious and expertly directed crowd-pleaser, that certainly merits its reputation as above-average escapist fare.