MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III

A great villain can make a slightly mediocre film so much better, and that’s the case with “Mission: Impossible III.” Without its villain, it’s just an average installment in the franchise, but because Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays the role so well, it becomes iconic.

The action is definitely a step up from the first two films. The standout set piece for me is the bridge scene where they’re transporting Hoffman in custody—it’s tense, explosive, and just really well done. I also liked the addition of Michelle Monaghan as Ethan’s fiancée who doesn’t know about his spy life. It adds a personal layer to the story, and she plays the role perfectly.

This one also leans more into the espionage side of things, which I appreciated. We really start questioning who in the higher ranks can be trusted. Laurence Fishburne plays the shady program director, and Billy Crudup is Ethan’s handler, which adds some intrigue. And then there’s Simon Pegg, who steals all the scenes that he’s in. Keri Russell is also great in her limited role.

By the third act, the stakes are super high—Ethan’s home life is falling apart, there’s a ticking clock, and everything feels really intense. That said, there’s one part that always bugs me: they completely skip over the actual heist in Shanghai to get the Rabbit’s Foot. It’s just… offscreen. Total missed opportunity. And the big finale takes place in a kind of underwhelming, run-down office building.

Still, knowing Hoffman had a background in comedy makes his performance here even more impressive. He’s cold, calculating, and absolutely terrifying. His presence really brings out a new level in Cruise’s performance too—you can tell Ethan is being pushed in a way we haven’t seen before.

VIEWED ON
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Vudu