Refreshingly original

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2001)

One of the most common comments about Mission: Impossible is that it is 'unfathomable'. The story is certainly complex and you have to watch it at least two or three times to get the entire story straight but the story is half the enjoyment. How often does a movie come along that is so in depth and complex that you can't absorb it all the first time? The story is not difficult to understand if you pay attention and should certainly be praised for it's detail. The lack of detail was part of the criticism about M:I 2. M:I was definitely not your typical 'fast-food-for-the-brain'.
The characters are believable - Ethan's charming vulnerability, warmth and refreshingly normal ego (instead of the 'arrogant' side we see in M:I 2) makes him a hero we cheer for. The warm relationships between the original team will always be an example of the heart of M:I. The stunts were impressive, as were the action scenes (so much so that some were copied for M:I 2) and the human story is equal to the action.
This will always be a favourite of mine because this is not your typical A-to-B storyline which is predictable from the word "Go!". The characters are great, the action impressive but not as over the top as M:I 2 and is quite an example of how to make a action movie with a heart without making it nauseating. *This* is how to make a Mission: Impossible - maybe they should take note for the inevitable M:I 3.