Movie Review: Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation

MOVIE REVIEW

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (M)

Reviewer: Usman Azad

Rating: 8/10

Tom Cruise is a maligned celebrity for his off-screen antics so it is often hard to fairly judge him for his movies.

But there should be no doubt his characterisation of IMF super agent Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible series is nothing short of natural - I can't imagine another actor doing the character any justice.

So it is with some joy that Cruise makes an appearance for what is the fifth movie in the box office smash hit series.

Following on from the last movie, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Hunt makes it his single-minded obsession to chase the shadowy Syndicate organisation.

At the same time, the US Government - at the behest of CIA head Alan Huntley (Alec Baldwin) - shuts down the IMF (which is actually named as the Impossible Mission Force for the first time in the movies) because of its risky style of operations.

This means Hunt is wanted by his own government and is forced to use very little resources to connect the small clues and find the Syndicate.

Mission Impossible flicks have proved to be big-budget heist films and this time, Hunt once again has to overcome impossible odds to achieve his goals.

Of course, the film has its fair share of chases, explosions and exotic locations to rival a James Bond film.

But more than just the usual action fare, this film is probably the first of the series that feels confident and assured. The first film was an exciting spy thriller but different directors have moved Ethan Hunt's world more towards the action genre as the series progressed.

Thankfully, this film has a plot that is easy to follow and is a fun rollercoaster ride despite its near two-hour length.

A big reason why this film is so enjoyable, apart from Cruise's assured performance, is British actor Simon Pegg's continued role as Benji.

Pegg's ability to brighten even the dullest scene is unbelievably important and his chemistry with Cruise makes it seem like they have acted together for years.

There are a couple of honourable mentions - Sean Harris and Rebecca Ferguson, who both play believably capable members of the Syndicate.

Judging by the success of this film, there is no doubt a sixth film in the Mission Impossible series will guarantee Cruise another bucket of cash.