Mission: Impossible III (2006)
The franchise founds it’s new footing with this third installment. It left the 90s cheesiness but didn’t go for the Bourne-route like the Bond franchise. Instead it gets just the right balance between pure action, some quite dark and brutal elements and just the right amount of humour.
Giving Ethan Hunt a very personal stake this time added to the tension and Seymour Hoffman really nails the ultimate villain that doesn’t waste any time playing games. And unlike in the second movie, the use of the facemasks didn’t go overboard and I didn’t see it coming when they did use it.
I am however not a fan of Abrams’ style. The camera is all over the place and there are too many flashing lights. The action shots looked fine but somehow lacked impact.
I still think the first movie is the best, but it is pretty apparent that the franchise took a different turn after this and I just have to come to terms with that.
Rating: 3.5