I’ve been looking forward to this film for a long, looooong time. If I could only see one film this entire year (like that’ll ever happen…), I’d pick this film. I’m a huge fan of the “Mission: Impossible” series so far. Both films are among my favorite films, though for different reasons. “Mission: Impossible” is one of the most confusing and cool spy films I’ve ever seen. I saw the film when I was seven and didn’t know what the heck happened in the entire film, yet I loved it. It wasn’t until just recently that I sat down to watch it again and actually [i]understood[/i] the entire plot. “Mission: Impossible II” was quite different. Unlike Brian DePalma’s first film, which was more about the intriguing plot than the action sequences (though it’s hard to top the final train sequence), John Woo took over the director’s chair and sacrificed a solid, complicated plot for two hours of the most fun and exciting action scenes in recent memory. Six year’s later and we finally get “Mission: Impossible III,” director by JJ Abrams, the man behind TV’s “Lost” and “Alias.” JJ Abrams has successfully combined what I loved about the original and the sequel and created one of the best action films I’ve ever seen on screen. This is how a summer box-office season is supposed to start – with big explosions, fast cars, spies, and Philip Seymour Hoffman playing a bad guy.

Years after where the second film finished, Ethan Hunt is officially retired from IMF. He trains young IMF agents hoping to be in the field as his living, and has a lovely fiancée, Julia (Michelle Monaghan) to come home to everyday. But, unfortunately, Hunt is drawn back into the field for a special assignment. His protégé, Lindsey Ferris (Keri Russell), has been kidnapped by what IMF believes to be Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a dangerous, sadistic arms dealer who loves to watch people suffer. Hunt, along with his team of his old friend Luther Strickell (Ving Rhames), transportation expert Declan (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and background operative Zhen (Maggie Q), attempt to recover Lindsey, only to find that things aren’t what they seem, and some people can’t be trusted.

Tom Cruise has had a lot of media attention lately. With his new baby, Suri Cruise, his wife, Katie Holmes, and his new found love for scientology, it’s hard to miss Cruise on the news these days and it’s hard to picture him not being a little… wacko. But, in this film, he’s excellent. His role of Ethan Hunt significantly changes from the first two films, as Hunt is faced with the greatest challenge ever. Unlike the first two, Cruise’s character shows that, well, he’s human, and he has weaknesses. But, nevertheless, you’ll see a good two hours of him kicking butt. The supporting cast is excellent as well. Ving Rhames is his usual “bad-ass” self, though he adds a little humor to the film. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is becoming one of my favorites. From his outstanding performance in “Match Point” to his fun side in this film, I think he’s getting up there soon. Maggie Q doesn’t add much to the film, though she’s not a bad presence to look at on the screen. Keri Russell doesn’t really have much screen time and Michelle Monaghan is just decent. Simon Pegg (“Shaun of the Dead”) is a pleasant surprise in the film. He needs more films, ASAP. The best part of the cast, in my opinion, is Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays a near-perfect villain. He actually terrified me in the film. He’s the kind of guy who you should take seriously when he threatens you. He’s always calm, even with a gun to his head, knowing that he’s simply more powerful.

If you’ve seen “Alias” and “Lost,” the style of the film should be no surprise. He makes use of his usual flashbacks, and it works very well in this film. As a co-writer to the script, Abrams made a film that isn’t as complicated as the original film, but still has a solid screenplay, something John Woo forgot to take into consideration. And, of course, the film looks outstanding. Every action sequence in the film is a memorable one, from a helicopter chase to a lot of explosions on a bridge and more. The opening scene immediately gets you hooked on the film and never let’s go.

“Mission: Impossible III” the best film in the franchise so far. And, considering that I loved the first two, this is a pleasant treat. Is it a flaw-less film? Of course not. But, it’ll provide you with two great hours of fast and fun entertainment. The cast is also a big plus in this film. If I had to nit-pick about the film, I’d say that Hoffman needed more screen time. Otherwise, just fantastic.