Mission: Impossible - Fallout Review — The Odissean Experience

PG
2hr 27min
Action | Adventure | Thriller
Aug 2018
Christopher McQuarrie

Terrorists have prevailed in the capture of three plutonium cores, the world is under nuclear threat and the mission seems impossible. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team are once again called upon to save the day and this time they will be joined by CIA operative August Walker (Henry Cavill) as they attempt to overthrow the newly established terrorist group ‘The Apostles’ and retrieve the plutonium.

The twenty-two-year-old franchise has recalled filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie to lay the course after his success with Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, becoming the first director to commit to a second film. Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are welcome returnees as they provide the film with necessary comedic relief and emotional depth. Newcomer Vanessa Kirby contributes a strong introduction for her character and displays another convincing performance after gracing our screens as Princess Margaret in Netflix’s The Crown, although it is Rebecca Ferguson that creates the lasting impact as she reprises her role as Ilsa. The Mission Impossible series has had its fair share of female characters but none have come close to the sheer presence Ilsa inhabits and supplies the film with a worthy heroine. Tom Cruise continues to shock and impress as Ethan Hunt with stunts that beggar belief. Whether it is performing a HALO jump, running across rooftops in London or riding a motorbike against ongoing traffic in Paris, his age-defying energy never fails to impress. His relationship with Henry Cavill provides an exciting new dynamic to the series as the rivalry between ‘agents’ pushes Hunt’s competitive nature to new levels. Henry Cavill is a superbly talented young man and someone who we here at The Odissean Experience have a soft spot for. Whilst he gives a thoroughly adequate performance in MI Fallout, you just feel that (quite like his handling of the iconic Superman character) Henry is still developing as an actor. There is a certain looseness, freedom and believeability an actor possesses when their fully in command of their craft - Henry is not quite there yet but (being nothing less than Superman himself) we’re confident he shall get there.

Credit: Paramount Pictures — *Credit:* Paramount Pictures

Though a thoroughly enjoyable ride, MI Fallout does suffer a little bit from plot over-complication with its numerous twists and turns. Whether by design or desire, it means the audience must concentrate throughout the entire movie to ensure they keep up with who is double-crossing who (and why) at any given point

The story itself cleverly links back to the previous movies, providing numerous ‘oh I remember that’ moments for the MI fraternity. For many franchises a sixth outing could suggest that the end is near as ideas are potentially running thin. However, in this case the series has hit a new high, one that could even exceed the original film. Every character has a moment in the spotlight and possesses a purpose that is essential for the story to proceed, resulting in increased character investment from the audience. The famous theme tune is entwined throughout Lorne Balfe’s epic score, that when partnered with suspenseful action it creates thrilling entertainment.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout fully absorbs the viewer with captivating action scenes that complement a well worked story. The runtime of approximately two and a half hours cruised by that pleases the appetite albeit leaving more to crave. This is one of most indulging action films you will see this decade and encourages a viewing in IMAX to fully appreciate the accomplishments on show. The only question now is: how will they top this one? The bar has now been set higher than ever and the series may have peaked but with renewed optimism for future releases all eyes will be on Tom Cruise and the challenge he faces next.