Review of Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) by Nilufer R — 17 Nov 2015

This is the best Mission Impossible yet! Everything in this movie works, from the fantastic, edge of your seat opening, to the incredible finale, this movie is awesome. The action scenes are well filmed and well directed. It doesn't rely on quick cuts and closeups like a lot of action movies rely on. Director Christopher McQuarrie is perfect behind the camera and was a very good choice to helm this movie.

The highlight of the movie has to be an incredible car/motorcycle chase in the middle of the movie. It's so well filmed as well as being captivating and thrilling. The movie benefits a lot from starring Tom Cruise. He is one of the most dedicated actors and because he does 95% of his own stunts, the movie is able to use better shots during action scenes instead of having to figure out ways of hiding the stunt double's face.

Speaking of Cruise, the performances are excellent. In addition to his expert stunt work, Cruise gives a stellar performance. You can tell he cares a lot about the role and he gives a very strong performance. Simon Pegg is also very good. He doesn't get enough credit as a dramatic actor. He plays a lot of comedies, he's often the comedic relief, but he is also a great dramatic actor. Go back and watch Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, and while those are comedies, during the "dramatic parts" you can tell he has some chops. Here he shows it again. He has some acting chops on him. The other one that needs mentioning is Rebecca Ferguson. She is also very good as a conflicted spy and she's very engaging to watch.

The only negative is that the villain was not that amazing. He was good, but he could have been slightly better. He was better than the last villain, but not nearly as good as Phillip Seymour Hoffman in MI3. But it works for this movie.

Overall, this is a fun, smart, and fantastic adrenaline ride. It's one of the best movies so far this year and I highly recommend it.