MISSION IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT (2018) Movie Review



★★★★★

Fallout was rewatch a mere two days ago and even after five years and multiple rewatches, that last few minutes with Ethan struggling to get the trigger before the countdown ends and the team are left to stab in the dark and I still sweat for the heroes. So many blockbusters these days, even in the surroundings of a cinema, have had me remain in a sedated state. If an action film, arguably the most enduring genre throughout the 21st century, can make me feel that still, that’s signs of a great director and personality implemented by Tom Cruise as the franchise officially hit cruise control!


Maybe I’m a generic guy whose opinions blend into the crowds but Fallout is still my favourite. True, the best script is arguable Rogue Nation, but I love the emotional weight we feel with Ethan, now so far into his time as an agent as well as Cruise so far into his career as a super star. That feeling transcends into the team, where we feel that sense of age among them and yet that strong love they share. I love that this is the most cinematic of the bunch. McQuarrie captivates in scenes where car chases and helicopter crashes aren’t even happening - ominous dream sequences play out that make this feel like an emotional wormhole through Ethan Hunt’s mind. Ferguson and Rhames especially make for key, heartfelt support in Ethan’s journey whereas Simon Pegg is always reliable to add realistic comedy to the intensity.

I feel sad that Henry Cavill’s time as Superman was mismanaged or the Witcher was cut short because he shows exceeding levels of charisma even as a villain. The fact that he gets to physically confront Cruise is a great meta comment on the promising young star compared to the veteran actor. Alec Baldwin gets some of the best moments in his sparse time on screen and Sean Harris is as slithering as ever. Vanessa Kirby can just marry me any day, especially in these roles as a conniving arms dealer, a nice nod to Vanessa Redgrave from the first film. 

Every action set piece stands shoulder to shoulder with each other, with neither outdoing the other. A chase through Paris, skydiving whilst thunder and lightning, a fight in a bathroom to the best action showdown in 2018! Plus, gorgeous, spectacular cinematography! What more is there to ask?!

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