Sequels and pictures with multiple parts (Superman, Batman, Lethal Weapon, etc) often get a bad rap. We all like to see original material, but a well made picture with a great story often has us asking for more. I like a well made sequel, as long as they can keep the energy of the first picture and it's also a good idea to get the same actors to reprise their roles. Add a good story and slick direction and a studio could conceivably do it forever. Like I said, a GOOD story is needed. Rocky 5 and Godfather 3 proved that just bringing back the name and actors is not enough. That brings us to Mission: Impossible 3. This time all elements were there. It worked, and I might even say that this one was better than it's predecessors and THAT is rare. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is no longer in the field. He now teaches youngsters to go on "impossible missions" (those who can't do, teach) and is called on to go back into active duty to rescue an old teammate (Keri Russel) in Germany. They get her out but she dies when an explosive charge, planted in her brain goes off. After being chastised for this failure the new IMF head, now played by Larry Fishburne, sends the team to get an arch criminal named Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who has been selling dastardly things to dastardly people. They must get him, AND the "Rabbit's Foot"! They get him, he gets away, and NOW Ethan must RE get him and do it before his kidnapped newly wedded wife is viciously executed. Look, one of the reasons we like the Mission Impossible pictures, and other action pictures of the same formula is because we know what we're getting before we buy the ticket. Action, good acting, slick special effects and an adrenaline filled two hours. That's why we go and will continue to go. Tom Cruise was born to play this role and Ving Rhames is perfect as his backup who is ALWAYS there. Solid cast, and as long as Paramount (and other studios) continue to deliver on this level, we'll be there. Great stuff! "That look in your eye is a pain in my ass!" RECOMMENDATION: They treated you right twice already, WHY would you not see this one? Good, solid, Hollywood entertainment at it's best. Take the family. Rated PG-13 for some blow-up-stuff violence. TWO (theme playing in my head) MUSIC PLAYIN', FUSE BURNIN', EXTREMELY ENERGETIC THUMBS UP!!! (waiting for a fourth) Movie Review © 2006 by Terry Anderson |
