I love spy films, and I’m particularly passionate about the Mission Impossible franchise. The series debuted in 1997 when I was only eight years old, and my passion and excitement grew with every single entry. I’m pleased to report that Rogue Nation is yet another slick slice of blockbuster espionage.
Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Rogue Nation brings back several familiar faces (including Jeremy Renner and Ving Rhames) while weaving together an energetic and explosive tale with the usual globe-trotting antics. Thankfully, the script cleverly offers a fresh take on the spy tropes we know and love, and thus manages to keep Ethan Hunt’s narrative unpredictable in the process.
Say what you want about Tom Cruise, but the guy is one of the greatest action stars of our time. Remarkably committed to every single death-defying stunt, the movie star oozes charisma and adrenaline at every turn. It’s thrilling to see him throw everything he’s got at the film’s blood-pumping sequences, and do so with a whole lot of glee and enthusiasm. For one particular underwater sequence, Cruise actually spends SIX minutes underwater – in fact he actually blacked out several times during his two-month training for it. If that’s not commitment to your craft, I don’t know what is.
And the action? Well it’s downright astounding. My personal favorite is an absolutely exhilarating motorbike chase in the middle of the film that will certainly leave your jaw hanging all the way through. It’s a technical marvel in terms of cinematography, editing, and staging. Moreover, the film’s composer Joe Kraemer does an exceptional job of utilizing the series’ iconic theme song at just the right moments while injecting his own empowering flourishes.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of Rogue Nation’s most impressive revelations: the mysterious Ilsa Faust played by Rebecca Ferguson. The character is a true enigma, and Ferguson mask her true motivations with every line delivery and nuance. In addition, she’s a bonafide badass in the action department, and she pretty much gives Cruise a run for his money (actually, she surpasses him at times).
As far as I’m concerned, Mission Impossible 6 can’t come soon enough.
Conclusion
With top-notch production values and terrific performances, Rogue Nation is yet another wildly entertaining entry in the Mission Impossible franchise.
Nad Rating
A
I saw Mission Impossible Rogue Nation not so long ago. It's definitely worthy of your A rating, Nad. One of my favorite Mission Impossible films after Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and Mission Impossible III. I've enjoyed these last three films of the franchise not just because of the outstanding action pieces but the character work as well, especially it involves Ethan. The last three movies allowed him to be a fleshed out character and not a random cardboard action hero.
Honestly, a perfect production. I could watch it again and again.
And Nad–your writing! Absolutely superb.
So true. They really fleshed him out. The last three films have been absolutely incredible! Thanks Justin 🙂
Thank you Danielle 🙂 I'm glad you loved it too! What a thrill-ride! Had no idea you liked action films!
I watch everything but horror. I love action and adventure.