Check out our parent review for Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation
Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation is one of the best genre movies in recent memory, and a standout for both the franchise and the summer. Though the action is some of the best ever committed to screen, the film succeeds in drawing the audience to the characters and intriguing them in an engaging cat and mouse chase throughout the entire run time.
Shortly after the events of Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is tracking down the Syndicate, a rogue organization of criminals committing crimes across the globe. Following the hijacking of a Syndicate plane, Hunt is caught in a trap by the Syndicate’s leader Solomon Lane (Sean Harris), compromising the reputation of the IMF. When the CIA director Hunley (Alec Baldwin) threatens to shut the IMF down, Hunt teams up once again with Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), William Brandt (Jeremy Renner), and Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) in order to save his organization.
Director Christopher McQuarrie directs an incredible looking film, but instead of creating a series of unrelated action sequences, the film’s breakneck tone allows for a great story and some very strong character moments. Moments of character development or plot analysis aren’t shoehorned in just to be there, but fit within the film’s style. There’s also a fair amount of comedy, which fits perfectly within the film’s tone while not sacrificing the intensity.
The action itself is absolutely incredible and manages to top itself throughout the film. Featuring practical effects, stuntmen, and well-choreographed action, the film is a standout among other films in the genre, and the action is completely enthralling due to the development of the characters. The film’s finale in particular is a highlight, as it avoids the high powered action and goes for a much more emotional climax with actual stakes. Additionally, the film’s script keeps up with the franchise’s intelligently writen story, which wraps up perfectly in a great plot-driven story.
As always, Tom Cruise gives a great performance as Ethan Hunt, completely committing to the story and actually taking the character in an interesting and unique direction. Simon Pegg also delivers a great performance; while he’s always worked well as a supporting role in the past, he successfully makes the transition to co-lead. The addition of Rebecca Ferguson to the film is also a strength of the film, with Ferguson standing as a strong action star that fits well within the story.
Jeremy Renner returns in another great performance, and though his role is more limited in comparison to the last film, he steals every scene he’s in. Ving Rhames also proves to be a great addition and continues the character that’s become instrumental to the series. In a great character role, Alec Baldwin delivers a great role that adds an intensity and surprising comedy to the film. Though Sean Harris gives a strong performance that adds a more menacing villain than we’ve ever seen before, his character’s psychology isn’t fully explored.
One of the best action films of the past decade, and perhaps the strongest film in the franchise yet, Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation is a great film that isn’t limited to the genre and succeeds in adding heart, drama, and comedy to the film. Rarely is any film so enthralling for their entire run time, but Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation stands as the year’s best thrill ride and a unique and exciting journey. Grade: A
Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation Review for Teens
Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation is a great summer film, and teens who are fans of action adventure films such as this summer’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, or Tomorrowland will likely enjoy the film for its similar tone. Though the film is watchable and entertaining even for those who aren’t familiar with the series, teens that are fans of the previous films in the series will enjoy the winks and nods to the series, as well as seeing returning characters.