Damn good movie

Rating: Null/10 (13 May 2006)

This 1996 blockbuster from director Brian De Palma has a close parallel with its 1960's and 70's TV counterpart. Released only a year after the Bond franchise was revived with Pierce Brosnan's new portrayal as the suave Brit spy in the mega hit 'GoldenEye', 'Mission: Impossible' seems with a basic understanding of the context to have been made as a rival franchise. This is similar to the way the 'Mission: Impossible' TV series was produced in order to compete with the first ever Bond movies of the 1960's.
And it is fair to say that this movie is definitely a worthy competitor for the Bond movies; with it's tight and straight direction, it's narrative is played out smoothly, taking its time to explain the plot (which is arguably, upon first viewing quite complicated - but with foreknowledge of its complexity upon preceding viewings easily digested). It is only with the primary focus on Tom Cruise's character that reveals the producers' hidden agenda of rivalling the new Bond movies with an equally independent secret agent, Ethan Hunt. What is different from the conventions of the Bond movies, however, is the relaxed nature of the movie, there doesn't seem to be any need to try to hard with action sequences as a means to keep the audience hooked. It is De Palma's classic ability to build tension and angst during scenes in which the characters are simply laying out the plot or unravelling a mystery that makes it so entertaining. With Danny Elfman's soundtrack thrilling as ever and the (quite disappointing sparseness of the) always hummable 'Mission: Impossible' theme tune elevate this movie (notably with the theme tune) to the recognition that only the Bond franchise can trump.
With seemingly endless twists and turns, this movie is far from predictable upon first viewing, especially with the foreknowledge that exists with fans of the original TV series. With only the enhancement of Tom Cruise's character above the rest of his IMF team as a signal that it is trying to rival Bond, the rest; the absence of overusing the theme tune, loose women with breasts on display (something the movie could have lived with) and the necessity of constant action are signs that this is a classic movie where the action scenes will be remembered no matter what. I mean who can forget the image of Cruise descending into that white high-tech vault and the dead silence accompanying him like a harsh barrier just waiting for him to slip. Just a classic film.
Shame about the sequel though.