Radio Lady Reviews: 'Mission: Impossible 3' with Tom Cruise

[Radio_Lady]

Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise… Why do so many people want to slam him? Alternately, why are so many people eager to see his movies?

Read this thread for many DU opinions.

People slug him for divorcing Nicole Kidman, for taking up with Katie Holmes, for his religious preferences, for deigning to discuss psychiatry and the usefulness of psychotropic drugs, and for not being a good actor. Hey, whose damn business is all of that anyway? By Hollywood standards, why does he deserve special criticism for what is not unusual behavior for actors?

Yes, he’s an actor and moviemaker and he’s accused of being over-rated, not really handsome enough, etc., etc., etc. Yet by box-office figures and number of years of success, he is a standout. If we dismiss all of those actors who never qualify for those dubiously determined awards, we’d refuse to attend most films that are offered and many that are truly enjoyable entertainment… and that's what Tom gives us. So let’s get off Tom’s back.

Instead, let’s talk about his latest outing…”Mission: Impossible III” or simply 'M:I 3'. (Please be aware that there are about seven different ways to write this!) I’ll say at the outset that this is not my favorite Cruise movie, although I did enjoy the fantastic action sequences, special effects, and stunt work, much of which Tom Cruise did himself.

There’s no putting down the rapid fire, one after the other, super high action sequences that in themselves can carry you though the show. However, if your inclined to really understand the plot and what is happening or what the movie was all about, you’re likely to be somewhat disappointed. If you leave the theater more than a little puzzled about certain things, you're not alone. You can take solace in not being alone but that may not make you feel better. Questions come up about who were the bad guys and who were the good guys? One specific plot device was alluded to all through the movie -- but never explained. (It would be a spoiler if I told you, so I won't.) I came away feeling that I might like to go back and see 'M:I 3' again to see if it really holds together or not but I think I know the answer…NOT…so I probably won’t put myself through that. Maybe I'll call it 'Mission:Inscrutable 3.'

The locations used are quite remarkable. The crew shot in various locations in the United States (as opposed to Canada) as well as in Shanghai, China and locations in Italy. Some scenes purport to be filmed in the Vatican itself, but I can't confirm that exactly. I can't imagine the Pope being willing to grant that kind of access! As producer, Tom Cruise did seek permission to shoot in the glass-domed Parliament building in Germany, but was rejected. Director J. J. Abrams (TV director of 'Alias' and 'Lost') did a fine job with the film, but I will never get used to hand-held camera work. It really makes me nauseated.

In this film, Tom Cruise delivers a respectable performance as does the supporting cast. Philip Seymour Hoffman is definitely up to the challenge of becoming the main villain and is very menacing. So if you want to lose yourself in high action, great effects, and super stunt work, especially what Cruise himself contributes, and you are willing to suffer the "slings and arrows" of falling into this plot hole and then all those others -- go see 'M:I 3'.

Overall I rate this a C+ on Ellen's Entertainment Report Card.

Just a note here:

I usually try not to consider other reviews before I write mine. However, I did look at the overall numbers at “Rotten Tomatoes”. The “critics” are coming up with 85% favorable which is much better than my feelings about it. The “users” are coming up with only 54% favorable…2 stars out of 5, maybe. That’s much closer to my assessment. However, these figures change daily, so if you want the latest information, look here.
In any case, there’s enough to justify your going to see 'M:I 3' if you are a high action or Tom Cruise fan or both. See you at the movies!

Genre: Action/Thriller
Director: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Tom Cruise, Laurence Fishburne, Michelle Monaghan, Simon Pegg, Maggie Q, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Keri Russell, Philip Seymour Hoffman
RunTime: approx. 120 mins.
Released By: Paramount Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of frenetic violence & menace, disturbing images & some sensuality
Official Website: http://www.missionimpossible.com/
Release Date: May 5, 2006