An often-overlooked yet thrilling entry in the Mission: Impossible series, boasting a truly memorable villain, is on BBC Three tonight (Wednesday).
Tom Cruise once again takes top billing in Mission: Impossible 3, which was well received by critics and viewers alike in 2006. The third film in the series was seen as a welcome return to form after the misfire of Mission: Impossible 2, with director/writer JJ Abrams praised for adding depth, wit, and an unrelenting pace to the proceedings.
In the movie, retired Impossible Mission Force (IMF) agent and trainer Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is forced to return to active duty to capture an elusive arms dealer, even though he has just got married. The stacked cast includes Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, Maggie Q, and Laurence Fishburne. However, it's Philip Seymour Hoffman as the villain, Owen Davian, who shines brightest, bringing a genuine malevolence to the role.
The film grossed over $398million worldwide, becoming the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2006, but ended up the lowest-grossing film in the franchise. One critic said: 'Mission: Impossible III is a rollicking, intelligent, twisting, turning, satisfying way to kick off the summer movie season.' On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie rates above 70% for both critics and viewers.
Viewers have also praised the film, with one writing: 'M:I III is the perfect blend of action and espionage. A terrifying villain turn from Phillip Seymour Hoffman stands as the franchise’s best antagonist to date.' Another enthused: 'None of the MI films have a villain as brilliant and well-acted as the one in this!'
Mission: Impossible 3 is being shown on BBC Three tonight (Wednesday) at 10pm.
