The Most Recent Success in a Franchise of Great Action

Rating: 8/10 (10 August 2015)

"I've heard stories about you, but they can't all be true." It's understandable for someone within the "Mission: Impossible" universe to say this, skeptical of the many adventures of Ethan Hunt. In what may be the most consistently exciting franchise ever, he has been thrown onto a moving train, leapt between two skyscrapers, and scaled the tallest building the world, and that's only a few of his escapades. With Rogue Nation, the high-octane stunts-extravaganza is continued with operatic skill and thrill. What should be just another generic spy film is made cheer-worthy through crowd-pleasing action and loads of slick fun. Much of the success rests on Cruise's shoulders. He is easily one of the most committed stars in Hollywood, continuing the wonderful 2015 trend of practical effects, doing many of his own stunts. Our hearts pound because we sense the very real danger these people are in. Though Rogue Nation may not have the single greatest combat scene in the franchise, it gives you the most bang-for-your-buck, rarely letting up long enough to let you catch your breath. When it does slow down, the tension is often cut beautifully by the cast, whose comedic beats between the excitement bring a nice respite. Otherwise, when the movie quiets down, the specifics of the plot and the not-intended-as-comedy dialogue drag a bit. Some mild cutting of superfluous scenes, specifically when focused on the weak villain and when unnecessarily objectifying the one woman, would've helped with the over-length. Mostly, though, the visuals, humor, stunts, and brilliantly iconic music kept me smiling throughout. Your mission, if you choose to accept it: see Rogue Nation.