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They say the third times a charm and that would be the case for the latest installment of the IMF series. Cruise is back as agent Ethan Hunt in the JJ Abrams (Lost/Alias) directed, action, thriller Mission: Impossible III.

When Hunt’s fiancé Julia (Michelle Monaghan) is taken captive by a menacing arms and information's dealer named Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Ethan must race against the clock to save her. As the title would suggest it is an impossible mission with little chance of success. But that is what makes these movies work. If you or I could do it where would the adventure be?

Joining Ethan on his endeavor is returning friend Luther Strikell (Ving Rhames) along with operatives Declan (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and Zhen (Maggie Q). These are the only three people Hunt can truly trust since someone on the inside seems to be leaking information to the mean people. The doable cast also includes Laurence Fishburne as Director Brassel and Billy Crudup as agent John Musgrave. Crudup will always be Russell Hammond (Almost Famous) to me and his quiet demeanor is almost too thin for the world of American Intelligence. On the flipside Fishburne is spectacular as the rough and stolid director. He intimidated me and I was just watching the movie.

When I first saw the trailer for MI3 and started seeing the press on it, I was worried this project might take away from the deserved acting
recognition of Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman earned his Academy award performance in Capote and I don’t think it was a fluke or one time occurrence. Action movies are never known for their depth or character development and many times actors are not given the chance to shine. The focus is usually more about gadgets and blowing stuff up. But Hoffman gives the best execution possible in such a role. He plays the bad guy with heartless eyes and a sadistic nature that is chilling and believable. This is not an award written role by far but instead of just getting by he gives his all and makes it a defining part of this film.

Ok back to gadgets blowing stuff up. There is plenty of both and that is perfect for a movie like this. That is what you expect. It’s spy stuff and a chance to escape from reality for a few hours. In other films it comes off as unbelievable and hokey, but in this environment you can’t get enough. And MI:3 delivers. From the opening scene you are locked into the adventure and it keeps you moving 'til the very end. My counterpart who is usually a fan of such films walked away with far less praise. I heard words like predictable, plotless, pointless, cliché, and stupid coming from Cindy’s mouth as we walked from the theater. It wasn’t the Tom Cruise factor as much as the fact that I think she expected a better story to go along with the explosions.

Mission: Impossible III is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of thematic violence and menace, disturbing images and some sensuality. If stuff blowing up offends you then you might want to stay home. Me? i loved it. I give this movie 4 out of 5 gadgets. Not for the writing, which is mediocre. Not for the plot which is predictable. Not even for the acting. But simply for the entertainment, which sometimes is what movies are all about. With a spin on MI:3. I’m Matt Mungle

The Mungle (5/03/06)

Matt is a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com