Film Review - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie

*This is a SPOILER-FREE post, so read away*

Summary: Following the events of the disavowed IMF team and the wake of their destruction in the past film, the CIA has decided to shut down the IMF. However, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) believes there is a rogue syndicate, an IMF of sorts run by a terrorist network, and decides to operate on his own accord to bring down the syndicate. Meanwhile the CIA is hunting him down, alive or dead.

Each Mission: Impossible film has had different directors and writers, resulting in a different approach to each film, but somehow still staying consistent to the characters, story, and world. (Realistically though, I think the thing that holds it all together is Tom Cruise running). While MI4 Ghost Protocol had much more of an epic adventurous lighthearted feel to it, Rogue Nation is much more focused on the characters, relationships, and the mystery behind each characters' motives. That being said, don't expect an overly emotional thriller with deep insight on the meaning of life and morality.

Rogue Nation was probably the most intense action film I have seen in a few years, with some top notch directing, writing, editing, and action sequences with unexpected turns. And for what may seem at the surface to be an unnecessary installment in just another action franchise, turns out to be a surprisingly well-made film.



If at any point in time you have questioned Tom
Cruise's commitment and willingness to do his own stunts, you will question no more. This incredible stunt, which has been plastered over every billboard and trailer, was completely legit, taking Tom Cruise up 5000ft in the air hanging from a door on the outside of the plane (yes, of course he was tied to a cable, but it's still crazy). And this represents most of the film in terms of how real everything looks and feels. It is very difficult to point out which shots are very CG heavy and which ones employ practical effects. That's how a blockbuster should be made, if you ask me. 

With all that said, the film certainly has its flaws, like the ridiculously awesome stunt on the plane that occurs in the opening scene which has almost no correlation whatsoever to the rest of the film. Or the fact that the whole premise of the IMF working on their own with the government after them feels like a dull disavowed repeat of the last movie's ghost protocol. Everything is pointed out in this hilarious "Honest Trailer." But let's be really honest, isn't most of this stuff why we go see a Mission: Impossible film in the first place?

Conclusion:

With a refreshing look deeper into the characters of the film, combined with intense action, Rogue Nation adds another solid contribution to the MI series. An easy top contender for best action film of the year, Rogue Nation is well worth your time (and money) to see it in the theater.