MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-ROGUE NATION (PG-13)
Released by Paramount Pictures
Reviewed by Adam Mast
If the thrilling, expertly crafted actioneer, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-ROGUE NATION, proves anything, it’s that this nearly twenty-year-old franchise appears to just be getting started. This latest entry had the daunting task of following Brad Bird’s immensely entertaining MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-GHOST PROTOCOL, and I’ll be damned if veteran superstar Tom Cruise, filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie (Oscar-winning screenwriter of THE USUAL SUSPECTS and director of JACK REACHER), and a stellar cast and crew weren’t up to the monumental challenge.
This MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE entry wastes absolutely no time getting started. As ROGUE NATION opens, death-defying IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) attempts to foil a terrorist plot involving nuclear missiles by way of breaching a plane while it’s airborne. Hunt’s dangling from the outside of a plane during take off probably isn’t what his team—consisting of Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), and William Brandt (Jeremy Renner)—had in mind, but there is no doubt that desperate times call for desperate measures, and Hunt always gets the job done, no matter how impossible the mission.
What follows is an intricate adventure/mystery in which Hunt is forced to go rogue in an effort to prove the existence of an anti-IMF syndicate. It won’t be easy, however, as the superagent will find himself pursued by sinister villain Lane (Sean Harris) with an Alec Baldwin-led CIA also hot on his trail. In addition, Hunt’s rogue mission will have him continuously crossing paths with a beautiful, tough-as-nails Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a mysterious woman whose loyalties are always in question.
As written and directed by McQuarrie, ROGUE NATION sort of plays like a MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE greatest hits collection. It takes many of the best elements of past entries and repackages them in an exceptionally well-paced thrill ride. But even though there are certainly familiar story beats, ROGUE NATION still has its own identity, because a creative McQuarrie puts his own unique spin on the proceedings.
Highlights include a cleverly executed opera sequence in which Hunt sets out to prevent a high-profile assassination attempt. This set piece is not only intense, but it bristles with a much-welcome sense of humor. Speaking of intense, a blisteringly paced motorcycle chase through the twisty streets of Morocco emerges as a chase sequence for the ages. And there’s more. Watch as Hunt attempts to hold his breath for over three minutes while completing yet another near impossible mission—while underwater!
Once again, holding this “Mission” together is the incomparable Tom Cruise. Not many men in their mid-50s would be willing to dangle from the side of an airborne plane in the name of entertaining audiences, but that’s exactly what Cruise does here. As usual, this master entertainer commits 100 percent. And as terrific as Cruise is, it should be noted that he is aided by an outstanding supporting cast. Simon Pegg brings a quick wit and razor-sharp comic timing to the roll of Benji, and with each passing MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE movie, his screen time has grown substantially. Therefore, it wouldn’t surprise me that if at some point, once Cruise is ready to throw in the towel, Pegg takes over the reins. Of course, Cruise will be doing MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE movies well into his 80s, so that wont be happening anytime soon. Rounding out a solid ensemble are returning cast members Jeremy Renner and Ving Rhames, and newbies Harris and Baldwin.
For all of Cruise’s incredible physicality and commitment, and for all the joy his supporting players bring to ROGUE NATION, the big surprise here is Ferguson. Admittedly, I was bummed to learn that GHOST PROTOCOL’s Paula Patton wouldn’t be returning in this film, but as it turns out, Ferguson more than fills that void. Quite frankly, this stunning actress emerges as the strongest female character in the entire MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise. She’s classy, vulnerable, tough, and sexy, all in equal measure, and she is more than capable of standing toe to toe with Cruise. In fact, she’s such a strong presence in this film that I liken her work here to Charlize Theron’s first-rate turn in the unforgettable FURY ROAD.
Listen, there a couple of moments in this picture that are a little overplayed, and, again, there are some familiar story beats, but no matter. From end to end, ROGUE NATION is a pure blast of high-energy entertainment! And aside from being an outstanding action movie, this film is a great metaphor for teamwork. No one in ROGUE NATION is expendable. Every life matters. In fact, thematically, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE series has taken a page from the FAST AND THE FURIOUS playbook, except that this series wisely dials down the goofy, over-the-top spirit that remains that particular franchise’s trademark.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-ROGUE NATION is pure entertainment. It offers up that sweeping, globetrotting feel that most of us get when we watch a James Bond movie, but it also has that sheer sense of fun and adventure that you’d come to expect from an Indiana Jones flick. Cruise, McQuarrie, and crew have brought the fire in a big way. In short, mission accomplished!
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