Twists & turns galore

Rating: 9/10 (24 January 2017)

The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is that the overall emotional concept is a bit scattered. It's such a big team that the central character's personal stakes are not all that riveting. It's sort of a romantic tease for things to possibly come for Ethan though, so the fun factor overrides any lack of emotional angst.
The theme is very interesting & very clear, though words are seldom used to convey it: loyalty can be fickle.
Such a theme lends to great twists & turns. EVERY single character (except one minor bad guy) flipflops at least once in their loyalties (or seems to). It's a very complex roller-coaster that provides a really fun, knucklebiting ride as betrayals are followed by victories which are then undone by more betrayals, etc.
After several viewing it never gets boring.
This is how an action film should be. Well done. Definitely my favorite in an ever improving series, which is rare. The biggest dud in the series is the first film, which in its time was a wonderful breakthrough & still very watchable despite a very slower pacing.
The trademark alternative realities given in flashforwards & flashbacks continue to stand out as a fun element that keeps the mind engaged.
Not sure how they'll top this one without getting formulaic.