Episode 125 - M:I Series 3 - Mission: Impossible III (2006) Review

Flick Flops

This week, we continue our Mission: Impossible series!

After a motorcycled melodrama and some slo-mo doves, Mission: Impossible III decides it’s time to get serious. J.J. Abrams injects emotional stakes, next-gen gadgets, and an actual plot with heart. It’s Ethan Hunt versus one of the most chilling villains in the franchise—but does this spy thriller go rogue in the right direction, or does it get Lost?

🎥 Synopsis

Ethan Hunt, now semi-retired and training new IMF agents, is pulled back into action when one of his protégés is captured by arms dealer Owen Davian. As Ethan races across continents to rescue her and protect his new fiancée Julia, he uncovers a plot tied to a mysterious object called "The Rabbit’s Foot." With betrayals around every corner and a villain who always seems one step ahead, Ethan must choose between saving the world and saving the person he loves.

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🧑‍💼 Main Cast & Crew

• Director: J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost, Star Trek)

• Writers: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and J.J. Abrams

• Producers: Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner

• Music: Michael Giacchino

• Cinematography: Dan Mindel

Starring:

• Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt

• Philip Seymour Hoffman as Owen Davian

• Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell

• Michelle Monaghan as Julia Meade

• Billy Crudup as John Musgrave

• Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Declan Gormley

• Maggie Q as Zhen Lei

• Keri Russell as Lindsey Farris

• Laurence Fishburne as Theodore Brassel

• Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn (franchise debut)

💣 Interesting Details

1. J.J. Abrams’ First Movie: After TV success, Abrams brought more emotional depth and character development to the franchise.

2. The “Rabbit’s Foot” Mystery: Never explained in the film, the Rabbit’s Foot became an intentionally ambiguous MacGuffin.

3. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Performance: Widely praised for portraying Davian as chillingly indifferent and understated—a grounded villain among blockbuster chaos.

4. Simon Pegg's Introduction: Introduced as comic relief techie Benji, he would go on to become a core part of the franchise.

5. Real Vatican Location: The Vatican infiltration scene was partially shot on location in Rome, although not inside actual Vatican property.

6. Cruise’s Press Tour Dominated Headlines: Unfortunately, Cruise's real-life antics (Oprah couch jump, Scientology promo) overshadowed the film’s release for many.

🧨 The Heist

The key heist occurs during the Vatican infiltration, where the IMF team must kidnap Davian during a high-profile event. It involves coordinated distractions, tunnel access, climbing walls, and one of the most iconic mask-making scenes in the franchise.

💥 Main Action Sequences

• The rescue op in Berlin, where Lindsey is extracted before her head explodes via Davian's implant.

• The Vatican infiltration and kidnapping of Davian.

• The bridge ambush, where Davian’s team attacks Ethan’s convoy with drones and helicopters.

• The Shanghai skyscraper jump, with Ethan using a rope to swing from rooftop to rooftop.

• The final rescue and brutal hand-to-hand showdown with Davian.

🧗‍♂️ Tom Cruise’s Stunts

• Shanghai building swing stunt was done practically—Cruise leapt between buildings using wires.

• Performed most running scenes at full speed through real Shanghai streets.

• Climbed the Vatican wall and did most wire work himself.

• Hung from a helicopter during parts of the bridge attack sequence.

🎭 Unmasking

1. Davian disguised as Ethan – During the Vatican scene, Ethan wears a Davian mask to fool security and kidnap him.

2. Mask assembly scene – The creation of the Davian mask is shown in full detail for the first time in the series.

3. Declan wears a priest disguise (mask implied) to plant equipment.

4. Ethan pretends to be Davian’s translator, using subtle prosthetics and voice modulation rather than a full mask (counts as 0.5 if you’re nitpicky).

Total film unmaskings: 2 (plus 1 implied)

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