MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III

Before this rewatch I had a clear ranking of the films in this franchise, as follows: 6-5-1-4-3-7-2.  But I enjoyed this film enough that I might have to have a rethink and bump it up the pecking order (decisions, decisions....).

Which is not to say that this instalment of the franchise (a directorial debut by J.J.Abrams) doesn't have a few problems.

The plots in these films are never the reason to watch them but in this case the plot is so weak as to barely suffice as a basis 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 the visual style here which often reminded me of pop videos.   And I found all 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.

So on to the positives.  

Firstly Philip Seymour Hoffman makes a big impact as the villain, Davian, a black-marketeer. 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 the best action sequence, when Davian is rescued, despite Ethan's best efforts.  After all that the manner of Davian's death when it comes is disappointingly abrupt.  

Also memorable is the fulcrum stunt in Shanghai, 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.

OK, on reflection I think I'll leave my ranking as is, meaning that this is only the fifth best MI film, even if it is pretty entertaining.  And it doesn't outstay its welcome if like me you fast forward through the party scene at the start.