'Mission Impossible: Fallout' Movie Review

Released: 25 July 2018 (UK)

Length: 148 Minutes

Certificate: 12A

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, Alec Baldwin, Sean Harris and Angela Basset

Mission Impossible is a powerhouse of action cinema and except for the second film in 2000, it has kept a steady string of quality sequels going through the years. The sixth entry, Fallout, is the first time a director (in this case Christopher McQuarrie) has returned for a second time and it brings another ferociously entertaining barrage of thrills without a single misstep.

As the title suggests, MI6 is all about IMF agent Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) search for missing nuclear weapons; after losing a batch of plutonium to save his team consisting of Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), and later the elusive Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) who still seems more than a bit conflicted in her motives. What follows is a game of role reversals as Hunt’s team finds themselves forced to make difficult choices, even reversing decisions that had been made in previous outings. It whips from location to location, never straying far from the main characters while placing them in equal parts second-guessing, danger, and dramatic turns. Through it all, the tension continues to escalate at a thrilling pace. The fifth film was a tough act to follow in this regard, but Fallout offers far more twists and turns that really mix up the plot; it’s one of those films you have to follow relatively closely to fully understand, with a major swerve at the halfway point that catches you off guard. A number of slick transitions quickly transport the audience from one expertly concocted scene to another with little room to breathe. It’s an action film that goes beyond simple entertainment, delivering a thrilling narrative to match.

While one actor has always driven the series forward, Mission Impossible is a team-based affair. Tom Cruise is great as always, but it’s the return of a past character that brings out an extra bit of emotion out of his character. Across from him is Henry Cavill’s August Walker, a rival of sorts who more than fits into the series. All the audience needs is one line to get his character moving: “You use a scalpel, I prefer a hammer.” Cavill is truly excellent in the action scenes while also playing off Cruise equally well. In fact, that’s something that every cast member can take credit for; a seamless balance of group chemistry and physicality that has become a defining strength of the franchise. Simon Pegg once again delivers his engaging comedic wit, Rhames shows off an immense likeability, and Ferguson effortlessly blends both mystery and physicality. Even Alec Baldwin, who doesn’t have massive roles in these films, gets his own ticket to the action scenes this time around. Not one cast member is at fault here. They all slot into the story and keep the action moving without a break in performance.

Mission Impossible: Fallout makes no hesitation in showcasing its commitment to action. The film soars both figuratively and literally; there are three main action sequences taking place around the world and without spoiling anything, all are executed to a flawless degree. The pacing is so perfectly tuned, layering out the obstacles in the team’s way, executing the finest stunts in the business, and then flipping things sideways with a hidden wild card. It’s incredible action filmmaking with every element contributing to the excitement; the wide-angle shots that give off a vast sense of scale (even better if you choose to see it in IMAX), the pulse-pounding soundtrack which grips the viewer while also delivering a somewhat moodier undertone and of course Cruise himself, who continues to deliver some of the most death-defying feats ever put on film. The style of the film is also very distinctive from its predecessors, with a heavy focus on the flames of disaster ravaging the opening credit sequences and a more saturated colour palette. If there's any drawback at all, it’s that the trailers give too much away in terms of the set-pieces. It doesn’t take away from the action itself, but I recommend avoiding marketing material before you step into the theatre.

When you get to the sixth entry of a franchise, you wonder how it can continue the momentum of the last few offerings; I’m delighted to say that Mission Impossible has proven me wrong once again. Everything about Fallout (and indeed much of the franchise) has been lovingly crafted to bring us the best action film of the year so far, with exhilarating set-pieces, breathless pacing and excellent chemistry between the characters. It simply cannot be missed by any moviegoer.

Rating: 5/5 Stars (Exceptional)