Product: Mission: Impossible (1996)
Rating: 4.0
Thinking Person's Popcorn Movie
4-1/2 stars for 1998's Mission Impossible. I'm not a particular fan of Tom Cruise or action movies, but I do love a good thriller. MI fit the bill perfectly. You must watch MI with careful attention to really savor all it has to offer.Unlike too many action films, MI has a solid script, a smart plot that fits together like a well-made puzzle, gorgeous location photography, dry humor, not a dull moment, and even some top-drawer acting in Jon Voight and a scrumptious (the only word I can think of that quite captures it) turn by Vanessa Redgrave. The two show-stopping action set pieces still thrill 14 years after the release date. MI makes a terrific movie night. The only reason I docked a half-star is I figured out the plot twist early on. My family liked it so much we watched it twice in two nights, and picked up more clever plot details during the second viewing.Parent note: There is violence but it's not particularly gruesome, and a few swear words. I had no problem with my 9-year-old seeing it. He pronounced it, in verbal all-caps bold-face italic, "epic."