Product: Mission: Impossible (1996)
Rating: 5.0
Mission accomplished...
Forget that the sequels squandered true plot elements for generic action sequences (delightful as they may have been). Forget that the reinvention of classic TV spy shows in modern cinema has been worked to death over the past decade. Forget that Tom Cruise has flown off the deep end and cannot resurrect even a marginal amount of his preexisting talent to save his latest Box Office bombs.Forget all of that because De Palma's 1996 underrated gem of a thriller is a borderline masterpiece.I want to lament for a moment at the tendency some viewers have of writing off this film or complaining that it doesn't make sense or makes them `think too hard'. Maybe the frivolous complaints caused the producers to reconstruct the sequels to be more `simple minded' than this in-depth original. I don't mean that to be rude or accusatory, and I understand that everyone has personal taste, but I ask you this: what were you expecting to see? I mean, honestly, what do you want from your movies? Do you want brainless plotting masked over by illustrious action sequences? Do you want to switch off your brain and indulge your senses? Why not indulge all of your senses, whilst not forsaking you capacity to think? I had this issue with the countless individuals who criticized Christopher Nolan's `Inception'. I mean, if you walk into the film with the foreknowledge that you HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION then you shouldn't be struggling to understand the plot twists. They will make sense if you've actually been watching the film from start to finish.I'm done now.Regardless of what others may think, I personally consider this one of the best films of the 90's. It capitalized on the popular leading man, using his special breed of `charismatic awareness' to create a signature role for the star. Brian De Palma owns this film though, with rich directorial choices that bathe this film in an ominous mood, one that pays homage to the inspiration while bringing it into the modern world, giving us plenty of reasons to sit in salivation over the film's tone and texture. The action sequences are spectacular, yet they are not overdone (as they are in the sequel). They feel appropriate for the context of the film, which is much more of an intellectual and psychological thriller than the expected (by many) action thriller.`Mission: Impossible' will make you lose your breath, and then it will help you catch it. It is a complex yet tightly woven mystery that basks in the glory of its star and star making director.Enjoy.