MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III

This instalment of the franchise (a directorial debut by J.J.Abrams) has some problems.  

I get that the plots in these films are never the main reason to watch them but in this case the plot is so weak it barely suffices as the skeleton on which to hang a rapid series of action set-pieces.  It revolves around a weapon codenamed 'Rabbit's Foot' which is such a MacGuffin that we never even find out what it is (or care).  In between the action there's very little time spent on characterisation or building suspense.  

I didn't much care for Abrams' visual style here which often reminded me of pop videos.   And I found all the scenes involving Ethan's wife to be a bit of a drag, even those at the end when rather implausibly she takes out a couple of bad guys.

And it's a shame that Keri Russell is killed off so soon since she would make a great kickass IMF agent.

But there are some positives.  

Firstly Philip Seymour Hoffman makes a much bigger impact as the villain, Davian, a black-marketeer, than the screenplay deserves.  Right from the flashforward before the credits, where he is threatening to kill the aforementioned wife, he is scary as hell.  The confrontation between him and Hunt on the plane is gripping, which is then immediately followed by a good action sequence, when Davian is rescued despite Ethan's best efforts.  It's a shame that the manner of Davian's death when it comes is less than Hoffman's performance warrants.    

In Venice we do get to see the MIF team working well together, and the fulcrum stunt in Shanghai is impressive, where Hunt's silhouetted body sliding out of control down the side of a skyscraper is an iconic image.  

We also get the introduction, in two short scenes, of Benji.

So overall whilst I make this to be one of the weaker entries for this franchise it's entertaining enough, and it doesn't outstay its welcome especially if like me you fast forward through the party scene at the start.

RATING: ✓ Cheers