First Take: Mission Impossible Fallout- a film about working things out

SYNOPSIS:

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong.

Over the last 12 years since Mission 3 came out, this series of films has just got better with every instalment. With the likes of JJ Abrams, Brad Bird, John Woo and Brian de Palma helming entries to the franchise, it seems natural for Christopher McQuarrie, director of the last film, to continue the incredible form he has spearheaded with this, arguably the greatest Mission Impossible film ever.

Once again, McQuarrie writes and directs this film in the same manner he did on Rogue Nation, and as usual, working with Tom Cruise means only one thing: go big or go home. The pacing is on point for the entire 2 hour 28 minute running time, the script is just pure perfection, the action setpieces are rightfully bonkers, and the stunt work is just jaw dropping- especially as Cruise literally broke an ankle to do it all. It’s shot in truly epic style by Rob Hardy (with 2 sequences shot specifically for IMAX viewers), and with a blaring score from Lorne Balfe, this film hits all the technical qualities easily.

Then, we have the performances, and seriously, the entire cast are fantastic. Tom Cruise makes easy work of his scenes as usual, and it’s obvious how hands on he gets with these films- they have become his main property nowadays. Returning faces include Simon Pegg (who once again provides comic relief in the way only he can), Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, and Sean Harris, but the real revelation is in the casting of Henry Cavill as the film’s villain. Yes, the moustache may have caused problems for a rival film, but it was worth it, as he is just damn good as a bad guy, and working with Angela Bassett, the film just feels like the best thing it can be- a film so good you probably won’t want to bring your phone along to.

THE VERDICT

It’s just perfect. Not a detail is wrong in this film, and while the endgame is predictable, McQuarrie and his team are still able to make it a true edge of seat experience. Now, cinemagoers- your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to see this film big and loud, because this is quite simply a masterclass in how to make a summer blockbuster.

RATING: 5/5