A film often described as an underrated gem in the Mission: Impossible series, featuring what many consider its most formidable villain, is set for a primetime slot on BBC Three this evening. Mission: Impossible 3 airs at 10pm on Wednesday, offering viewers a chance to revisit the 2006 action thriller that reinvigorated the franchise.
A Return to Form Under JJ Abrams' Direction
Following the stylistic departure of its predecessor, the third instalment marked a significant comeback. Helmed by JJ Abrams, the creator of Lost, the film was praised for injecting a fresh dose of depth, wit, and relentless pace. Critics and audiences welcomed this shift, feeling it brought the series back to its espionage thriller roots.
The plot finds Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt pulled out of retirement and a new marriage. He is forced back into the field by the Impossible Missions Force to track down a dangerous and elusive arms dealer, Owen Davian.
Philip Seymour Hoffman's Unforgettable Antagonist
While the film boasts a stellar supporting cast including Ving Rhames, Michelle Monaghan, and Laurence Fishburne, it is Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance as the cold, calculating Owen Davian that leaves the most lasting impression. His portrayal is widely regarded as a masterclass in genuine, understated malevolence, setting a high bar for villains in the series.
This critical acclaim is reflected in the film's scores. On Rotten Tomatoes, it maintains a rating above 70% from both professional critics and general audiences.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The consensus highlights the film's intelligent, fast-paced action and Hoffman's standout role. One reviewer called it a "rollicking, intelligent, twisting, turning, satisfying" adventure, crediting Abrams for its success. Another noted that Abrams' direction extracted the best from Cruise, resulting in what they deemed the series' finest pure action chapter.
Audience reviews frequently echo this sentiment, with many pointing to Hoffman's antagonist as the key strength. "A terrifying villain turn from Phillip Seymour Hoffman stands as the franchise’s best antagonist to date," wrote one viewer. Another argued passionately that Mission: Impossible 3 remains the best film in the series, precisely because of its brilliantly acted villain, a quality they feel later, bigger-budget sequels have not matched.
Despite its critical success and a global box office take of over $398 million, making it the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2006, it ironically stands as the lowest-earning entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise. This fact only adds to its status as a compelling, if sometimes overlooked, chapter.
Mission: Impossible 3 begins on BBC Three at 10pm tonight, Wednesday.
