Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Of course.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 133 minutes (~2.25 hours)
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” is the fifth instalment in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. This time, the Mission: Impossible crew faces off against a shadowy organisation of former operatives. It stars Tom Cruise (Ethan Hunt), Jeremy Renner (William Brandt), Simon Pegg (Benji Dunn), Rebecca Ferguson (Ilsa Faust), Ving Rhames (Luther Stickell), and Sean Harris (Solomon Lane). It is rated PG-13
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” feels like it’s the sixth or seventh instalment, yet it’s actually only the fifth movie in the franchise. It’s testament to how pervasive the “Mission: Impossible” series has become in pop culture, to the point that even the villain references it and forces our protagonist to recite his familiar catchphrase. Yet it still manages to entertain with fresh drama, action and conflict, making it a worthy entry in the series.
Highlights
Strong opening
The film wastes no time in giving the audience what they want, by setting up a larger-than-life situation that Ethan Hunt and his crew must overcome in order to proceed. The opening scene also manages to introduce and flesh out the heroes for the film, giving us a chance to get to know them while still being thrilled by their exploits.
Fantastic fights and spectacular stunts
Being the bread and butter of the series, the action is excellent as always. Well choreographed melee battles and death defying stunts truly mark the series of missions as impossible ones, yet Ethan Hunt comes through each time. You’re always holding your breath see how our hero will make it past the next deadly conflict, be it through smarts, skill or sheer luck.
Unparalleled car chase scene
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” has the best car chase scene I’ve ever seen, hands down. It takes you from the narrow streets of a small town to the winding highways of a desert, and still manages to make you root for both the chaser and the chased. Rather than just focusing on a single getaway car or a chopper, it features both vehicles, (which are handled very differently) resulting in refreshing diversity of action. And just when you think the chase is over, the movie surprises you by revving into the final leg of the chase scene.
Exciting set pieces
Each Act centres around a set piece, which is the titular impossible mission. Not only are the series of missions well thought out, the various methods employed to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles are equally ingenious, firmly establishing our heroes’ capabilities and prowess. The exposition for each is also cleanly and quickly provided, allowing us to jump into action as soon as possible.
Letdown
Fairly simplistic story
Despite the intrigue and mystery that surrounds the villain, the plot is actually quite straightforward and predictable. It’s not to say that an epic saga full of plot twists is required, but a less predictable story would have made the movie much better.
All in all, “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” still lives up to the expectations of the series, and even surprises us with an amazing car chase scene. Its polish and flair will leave any action buff in awe.
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” opens in cinemas 30 July, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also posted on Yahoo.
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