So after two third sequels were released in short succession this year (Mad Max and Jurassic World), we now have two forth sequels released (Terminator and Mission Impossible), just a few weeks apart. A meaningless pattern, given meaning by us film-fanatics alone (or is that just me again)?!
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is brought to us by Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams (producing partner since MI:3) and new writer/director, Christopher McQuarrie. McQuarrie is known widely for writing The Usual Suspects. McQuarrie took a brief hiatus after directing his first feature, The Way of the Gun, but now appears to be gaining momentum again with the likes of Jack Reacher and now Mission Impossible.
McQuarries skills are evident early-on. After an early jaw-dropping action scene, we are transported into a high-class espionage thriller. A movie which allows for spectacle, but not at the expense of story and plot. The action is beautifully choreographed, allowing for character forming/defining moments of respite and the opportunity to engage with other players in different parts of the world. In many ways McQuarrie and Cruise have returned to the noirish routes of the first film - directed with aplomb by the very noirish De Palma. Recalling the likes of early Bond and other spy classics, Rogue Nation is skilfully paced, despite the ADD approach many a contemporary action film takes.
Cruise is awesome! Insisting on physical stunt-work over CG, he puts the audience in the thick of the action. Intent on doing much of the stunt-work himself, he awards the audience with an unforgettable hero who frequently puts himself in harms way. The sustained realism throughout the Mission Impossible series continues to impress - leaving us to gasp, wince and hold our collective breaths time and again (you'll be doing this a lot in this instalment)!
The story this time recalls the events of Ghost Protocol (MI:4) - and the destruction caused by the IMF team in Moscow particularly. Head CIA honcho Alan Hunley (Alex Baldwin) wants the IMF dissolved as a result, bringing his case to the likes of the US Senate.
Meanwhile Hunt is busying himself with the Syndicate - a secret (some believe phantom) organisation intent on global terrorism. Without any concrete evidence suggesting the legitimism of the Syndicate, Hunt is alone in his quest - save for new recruit William Brandt (Jeremy Renner). Brandt is the IMF liaison in the US, under scrutiny form Hunley and the CIA. As the abolishment of the IMF by the CIA ticks swiftly by, Brandt keeps Hunt abreast of proceedings.
As a wanted agent living in obscurity, Hunt seeks out additional help in the form of Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg). Also on hand is possible ally, Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). Ferguson is quite a find! As Ilsa she is both the physical and intellectual match to Cruise's Hunt. An English agent in deep-cover, Ilsa is a femme fatale of sorts, unsure of where her allegiances should lay.
The Mission Impossible films continue to impress. Like the Bond films, they employ a new creative team with each instalment (certainly a new director each time).
Despite being one of the most successful, MI:2 is generally regarded as the runt of the litter. It's a lesser Mission Impossible film for sure - relying too heavily on exposition and rubber masks! It still has moments of flare however. The last 20 minutes of breathless, non-stop action repairs much of the damage.
As a huge De Palma fan MI:1 is still my favourite - the rest of the series a close second. And yes, despite coming to it's defence, MI:2 would probably rank third!
Cruise and his team are onto a good thing here, with no signs of slowing down. Apparently MI:6 has already been green-lit (I imagine they'll be further exploring the British contingent in this one surely?)!
A few last points. Lets continue to bring new players into the fold - expanding the team, utilising the talents of key members when the opportunity strikes. I'd also like to see them continue to reference the other films in the series. MI:4 and MI:5 have done this really well - a few subtle nods giving the overall series a sense of grandeur. More please!
4/5
Poster image courtesy: https://www.breweryarts.co.uk
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