Now, Cruise is back for the sixth outing and has found a way to top himself once again in the latest film “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. Director Christopher McQuarrie’s long-awaited follow-up to 2015’s “Rogue Nation” is a thrilling, action-packed and exhilarating film. Packed with plenty of breathtaking stunts, exciting action sequences and terrific performances from a talented cast, it delivers everything that fans could have hoped for. At the center of it all is Tom Cruise, who continues to show his commitment to the series and performs the kind of stunts that have to be seen to be believed. Due to its lengthy running time, this sixth installment isn’t quite on par with previous films in the franchise. That being said, it offers fun popcorn entertainment that fans of the franchise won’t be able to resist.
Picking up after the events of “Rogue Nation”, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” finds Ethan Hunt and his team on their most dangerous mission yet. Tom Cruise reprises the role of the agent, who this time around faces his most challenging mission. After nuclear weapons go missing, Hunt must team up with his fellow allies to prevent a global catastrophe. However, when a ruthless CIA Agent (Henry Cavill) comes in his way he discovers that accomplishing this mission isn’t going to be as easy as he thought.
It is then that we are swept into a globe-trotting mission that offers exactly what we’ve come to expect from these films: breathtaking stunts, thrilling action and eye-catching locations. If you’re familiar with this franchise, you may think that you’ve seen it all. However, when it comes to action “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” raises the bar to a considerable degree. It is the most action-packed entry in the series to date, and features the most impressive stunts of the franchise. If there’s anyone that knows how to perfectly stage an action sequence, it is director Christopher McQuarrie. Using a variety of well-chosen locations, the director stages the most exhilarating action sequences you will see in a movie this year. From the brutal bathroom brawl to the motorcycle chase through the streets of Paris, the film features exciting action sequences that are sure to keep fans at the edge of their seat. It is hard to not marvel at the mind-blowing stunts, which surpass the previous films and arguably more impressive. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is worth seeing on the big-screen for its action sequences alone.
If exciting action is not what attracts you to the theater, though, there are still plenty of other reasons to see “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. Amidst all the thrilling action, the film finds time for intimate moments of character development. This time around, we truly care about Ethan Hunt and whether he will make it out of the mission alive. Surprised? So am I. But in the best possible way. We’ve seen over the years the consequences that come with having too much action in a movie. Thankfully, though, director Christopher McQuarrie avoids falling into this trap with “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. Instead, he manages to achieve a unique balance between different elements such as the action, humor and characters. If Ethan Hunt was portrayed as a superhuman in previous films, this time we get to see an emotional and vulnerable side to him that we’ve never seen before. In a day and age when most action movies are simply mindless entertainment, it is refreshing to see one pay this much attention to character development.
In terms of acting, the entire cast is at the top of its game and seems to be having a blast of fun. In the year’s most star-studded ensemble, every actor gets the chance to shine and leave a lasting impression.
Tom Cruise delivers his finest performance to date as Ethan Hunt. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly committed to every stunt imaginable. Whether he is jumping from one building to another or riding a helicopter, Cruise commits every fibre of his being to this role. Reprising the role for the sixth time, he brings out an emotional and vulnerable side to the character that we’ve never seen before. At the age of 56, one may argue that at this point in his career Cruise has gotten too old for this sort of role. Despite his age, though, he proves that he hasn’t lost the ability to entertain and enthrall audiences. It’s a marvelous performance from one of the finest movie-stars working today.
The supporting cast is excellent and also given the chance to shine. Henry Cavill is fantastic and a force to be reckoned with in the role of a ruthless CIA Agent. Rebecca Ferguson continues to shine in the role of female heroine Ilsa Faust, bringing an air of mystery and tension to the film. And finally, it’s a joy to see Simon Pegg back as Benji. As usual, he brings hilarious comical relief and persona to these films.
Although “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” offers exhilarating popcorn entertainment, ultimately it is not a film without flaws. If I had a minor issue with the movie, it would be the lengthy running time. At nearly two and a half hours, the movie is slightly overlong and drags towards the end. With the help of an adrenaline-pumping score, director Christopher McQuarrie keeps the film moving at an engaging pace during the first hour. However, once the film enters its final act it starts to lose steam and test the viewer’s patience. The result is a film that feels like a roller-coaster ride: it leaves the viewer exhilarated but at the same time exhausted.
Nevertheless, fans of the franchise will definitely enjoy “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and so will movie-goers seeking action-packed entertainment this summer season. Not only is it the most fun I’ve had at the movies all year, but one of the most well-made blockbusters in recent memory.
As far as the summer’s action-packed blockbusters are concerned, they better suit up and get ready because it’s going to be an impossible mission to top this one.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 