Mission: Impossible 3 (2006)

3 out of 4

Starring: Tom Cruise, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Michelle Monaghan, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Maggie Q, Laurence Fishburne, Simon Pegg

Director: J J Abrams

Time: 126 mins

Viewed: Loews E-Walk, New York City

Third in the Mission: Impossible franchise kicks off the intriguing 2006 North American summer movie season (with more potential must-sees than 2005's drab list). IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is called back for an assignment when one of his proteges (Russell) is kidnapped by arms dealer Owen Davian (Hoffman). Meanwhile, he tries to keep his real occupation hidden from wife-to-be Julia (Monaghan). Kinetic action sequences (including an impromptu missile attack), nifty gadgets, and intricate stunts combine for an entertaining two hours, even if opening sequence deflates much of the film's latter suspense. Cruise is less cocky than previously; Oscar winner Hoffman is excellent, as always, in a menacing role; rest of star-studded cast are reduced to minor parts. Lacks the style of MI:2, but an energetic start to the summer nonetheless. Next: Poseidon.

(c) Joe Wong (5 May 2006)