Review - Matt Mungle
**In theaters July 31, 2015**
Synopsis: Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.
Review: The right formula is key. Mathematics is based on correct formulas working precisely. You can figure out the most intricate equation if you have the right formula. That seems to be why the Mission Impossible franchise is so successful; they have a fantastic film formula.
Ethan (Tom Cruise) may have met his match this time in super villain Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) who always seems to be one step ahead of Hunt. The IMF has its own problems though as the head of the CIA (Alec Baldwin) is trying to get it disbanded. William Brandt (Jeremy Renner) to deal with all of this while his main agent, Hunt, is out trying to get Lane. In the mix is a British rouge agent, Ilsa Faust, (Rebecca Ferguson) who may or may not be working for Lane. Hunt has to trust her though if is he going to pull off this near impossible mission.
The formula I referred to has to do with the mix of action, fast paced chase scenes, eye rolling stunts, comedy, and a solid script. Very seldom do you find all of these working in harmony so effectively; but you do here. Also the script is well thought out and weaves the multiple story lines in a way that keeps it moving clearly. There are no plot holes and everything ties up perfectly.
High five to Cruise on keeping Hunt lean and mean. You never feel like Tom is phoning it in or doing something that is unbelievable. He gives 110% in every frame. He dives in to the action full force. Faust is another solid addition. In past MI films the female character is undefined, unnecessary, and unqualified. Ferguson leaves no doubt as to her ability as a kick butt spy. She carries herself with an inner strength masked by a beautiful exterior. This is a double weapon that keeps all the other characters on high alert.
Much of the comedy comes from, obviously, Simon Pegg as tech savvy Benji Dunn. Pegg doesn't stray far from what we normally see him doing but it works great here. He even gets into the action a few times. Renner steps away from the Hawkeye persona to put on an IMF suit and tie. Like everyone else in this film he nails the performance. Harris as a bad guy is a good call. He is an intelligent, soft spoken, sophisticated villain; which are the scariest of all.
All of the elements you liked from the earlier MI films are in this one. The gadgets, effects, and spy gear all take a seat of honor in this new installment. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, and brief partial nudity. As far as action films go you will find very little to be offended by in this one. The fighting and gun play being the most intense. I give it a strong 4 out of 5 water mains. A perfect addition to the MI franchise.
1 comment:
For once, the critics are right: this may be the best action movie ever made. Perfectly written, cast and directed, it satisfies on every level. Rebecca Ferguson is perfection, and Cruise allows himself some aging and vulnerability, which increases his appeal dramatically. The action set pieces are thrilling, without straining credibility. Even the score is clever, with "Turandot" woven into it. A perfect popcorn movie.
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