Review of Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) by Mikayla J — 25 Sep 2018

Mission Impossible: Fallout is a masterfully made film and it deserves to be regarded as one of the finest action movies ever made. Fallout is a thrilling, well thought out movie by Christopher McQuarrie.

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt again with a great performance. He is not only impressive (with the major set pieces Fallout presents) but he is also plays believable character. As far as the characterization of Ethan Hunt, Fallout proves to be the best version of him yet. Ethan has to make tough choices to save what matters to him and it often comes at a cost. He has regrets, fears, and he makes mistakes despite his experience in the field and unique set of skills. Hunt's depth adds much more to this film than any previous entry before it.

In a sense, this is more a of a spy movie than a typical Mission Impossible movie. Instead of the story being built around the set pieces, the set pieces fit more organically into the film. The antagonist has more of a reason to exist in Fallout than just as a big bad to kill. His reasoning is flawed, but he has complex reasons for doing what he does. Our villain is a genuinely terrifying and serves as an equal to the godlike skills of someone such Ethan Hunt.

The returning team members are a welcome sight. The Mission Impossible Franchise has had a difficult time with continuity. Aside from Cruise, the cast is constantly being shaken up in each movie. Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Michelle Monaghan are highlights as returning members of the supporting cast. All them play central roles in the plot and to Ethan's character. This movie also goes out of its way to make connections to the rest of the franchise, which is a nice shoutout the earlier movies.

Henry Cavill gets to spread his wings with August Walker, the CIA agent forced to work with Ethan. Cavill is powerful in his stature and performance. He demonstrates another level to his acting skills that I never saw until Fallout. He plays Walker perfectly.

Mission Impossible Fallout is by far the best film in a franchise that continues to improve with each entry. Between the stellar cast and excellent script, this movie serves as an example for what action movies should aspire to be: gripping, deep, and unforgettable.