The Mission Impossible franchise truly make a case for big budget sequels. Outside of one weak iteration early on, the movies are consistent surprises that we’ve enjoyed on the big screen for the past 22 years. Generally sequels will go bigger, but that rarely refers to their intelligence level. However, each of these particular movies seem to outdo each other, not only in insane stunts, but also in rewarding the audience with better characterizations and writing.
The story starts off as any Mission Impossible would. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) gets a mission (should he choose to accept it). He then recruits a trusted team and they stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Yet, as seen in the recent movies, The Syndicate continues to gain international power. Hunt has his work cut out for him. Also, because of poor decisions in recent missions, the CIA is sending an agent of their own, August Walker (Henry Cavill), to keep an eye on Hunt.
In every way, this could either be a great stand-alone movie or act as the series closer by covering so many subplots seen in previous MI films. Though, there’s no way they’d possibly stop at this rate.
The familiar cast returns. Notably, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg and Alec Baldwin. Sadly, Jeremy Renner is sitting this one out, but I hope to see him again in future installments. Much like Rogue Nation, the standout star is Rebecca Ferguson playing Ilsa Faust. If they ever do decide to stop this franchise, I’d love to see a series based on her character.
I’d love to say that these movies exist to provide you with great action scenes. Though, that feels like a slight. Every year, there are dozens of flavor-of-the-month action movies that want to dazzle the audience with CG explosions and super fights. I almost feel like this series is not one we deserve, but one we need. It’s so rare to view a movie of this caliber that relies on practical effects and actual death-defying stunts by A-list talent.
This movie is not note-perfect. At 2 1/2 hours, it is quite long. It’s not that you want the incredible action to ever stop, though you may need to decompress from your stress headache when it’s over. As with any spy movie, there’s some indulgent exposition, but even that and the banter ease the tension in a straight up thrill ride.
Christopher McQuarrie, who also directed Rogue Nation, has carved his place in this series and I hope he never stops directing future installments. He has such a tight control on pacing and can actually make you stressed in places where other movies rely on gimmicks and tropes.
I keep revisiting my thoughts about Mission: Impossible Fallout. I know, deep inside, it’s not perfect, but the experience it creates is an all-out action masterpiece. Honestly, it’s now my favorite of the series and is surprisingly one of the most spectacular action movies ever made. A
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