Mission: Impossible MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -1

Patterned after the TV series of the late 1960's and 70's, this modern day, high tech version of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE is jam packed with action and a complicated plot of deception and intrigue. When a team of CIA agents is given the mission of recovering a top secret disk with the names of many U.S. secret agents, they are all apparently wiped out except agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise). As a result, he is blamed by his boss (Henry Czerny)for leaking information which defeated the mission. And the disk is now in the hands of a foreign spy who plans to sell the information. But Ethan escapes and begins a frantic search for the spy and the disk, aided by a beautiful accomplice (Emmanuelle Beart). This leads to a string of suspenseful, sometimes violent, adventures spanning two continents. Especially exciting are a daring theft of sensitive government information at CIA headquarters, and a wild train ride in France. The action and suspense never let up, and viewers are kept wondering which of the agents are really on the level. At times, the action is not credible, but there's more than enough excitement and intrigue in the film to captivate viewers.

For a PG-13 film, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE is relatively free of offensive elements. Its action includes some shootings, stabbings and hand fighting, but these are a legitimate part of the plot and are not graphic or gratuitous. And, of course, explosions and fighting take their toll on the surrounding property. Happily, though, the story avoids any sexual involvement of the characters or any suggestive or crude dialogue. Further, Ethan Hunt is a dedicated, sincere agent and his patriotism is refreshing. The only disappointment is the use of several regular profanities, one obscenity and some mild and moderately crude words. If it weren't for the foul language, although limited, we could give this exciting action adventure our unqualified approval.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Paramount Communications, Inc, 15 Columbus Circle, NY, NY 10023-7780