Review of Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) by John P — 01 Aug 2018

They say lightning never strikes twice, much less three times. Yet for the third time in a row the Mission Impossible franchise has absolutely nailed it, delivering heart pounding, supremely satisfying summer entertainment.

Those who have seen the trailers will have a basic idea of the story. Ethan Hunt and his team lost a trio of plutonium cores, and now he has to get them back by whatever methods necessary. Now despite what the trailers suggest, this movie is not about Ethan snapping and going rogue. The movie never even suggests it. But it is very much about whether he'll reach his limits and break his own most deeply held rules to complete the mission. Because with the stakes this high and with so many different players and agendas, there may not be any way to save the world and keep his hands clean.

This movie is also very much about Ethan's past. In many ways this installment is a continuation of the last film, featuring old friends and enemies and tying up loose plots threads you never noticed before. So much of what happens here is the direct result of the missions Ethan has completed and the choices he made before, all of them weighing heavily on the choices he has to make now.

After six installments in the series the filmmakers have fully perfected the Mission Impossible formula. The pacing ranges from quick to breakneck. The chases and shoot-outs are excellent as always, and some of the fight scenes are worthy of Hong Kong. Henry Cavil is a powerhouse. The pure power of his fighting style is a perfect match for Hunt's kinetic improvisation. Fighting together they make a hell of a duo. When they come to blows with each other it's even better.

And then there are the aerial sequences and other death-defying stunts that no Mission Impossible movie would be complete without. They may not top the data core scene from the last installment, but they are still absolutely breathtaking. I don't know how Cruise is able to keep doing these kinds of stunts at his age, but I can't argue with the results.

And refreshingly, the plot is more than just an excuse to string together the action scenes. There are enough twists and stunning revelations to fill the best spy novel. Just when you think you know where it's going it manages to surprise and raise the stakes even higher. At times Fallout is a bit darker and grimmer than previous installments. Occasionally it even brings a touch of pathos. But the trademark wry humor is still there, if a little more subdued.

Ultimately this movie has everything that a summer blockbuster should. It's tense, exciting, action packed, and everything in it just works. On the heels of Ghost Protocol and Rogue Nation it's safe to say that the Mission Impossible franchise is delivering more consistently than than James Bond. I don't how long they can keep this up, but I look forward to finding out.