Mission Impossible: Fallout Movie Review

Released: 25th July 2018 (UK)

Length: 148 Minutes

Certificate: 12A

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, Alec Baldwin, Sean Harris and Angela Basset

Mission Impossible is a powerhouse of action cinema and except for the second film in 2000, it has kept a steady string of quality sequels going through the years. The sixth entry, Fallout, is the first time a director (in this case Christopher McQuarrie) has returned for a second time and it brings another ferociously entertaining barrage of thrills without a single misstep.

As the title suggests, MI6 is all about IMF agent Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) search for missing nuclear weapons; after losing a batch of plutonium to save his team consisting of Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and later the elusive Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) who still seems more than a bit conflicted in her motives. What follows is a game of role reversals as Hunt’s team finds themselves forced to make difficult choices, even reversing decisions that had made in previous outings. It whips from location to location, never straying far from the main characters while placing them in equal parts second-guessing, danger and dramatic turns. Through it all, the tension continues to escalate at a thrilling pace. The fifth film was a tough act to follow in this regard, but Fallout offers far more twists and turns that really mix up the plot; it’s one of those films you have to follow relatively closely to fully understand, with a major swerve at the halfway point that catches you off guard. A number of slick transitions quickly transport the audience from one expertly concocted scene to another with little room to breathe. It’s an action film that goes beyond simple entertainment, delivering a thrilling narrative to match.

While one actor has always driven the series forward, Mission Impossible is a team-based affair. Tom Cruise is great as always, but it’s the return of a past character that brings out an extra bit of emotion out of his character. Across from him is Henry Cavill’s August Walker, a rival of sorts who more than fits into the series. All the audience needs is one line to get his character moving: “You use a scalpel, I prefer a hammer”; Cavill is truly excellent in the action scenes while also playing off Cruise equally well. In fact, that’s something that every cast member can take credit for; a seamless balance of group chemistry and physicality that has become a defining strength of the franchise. Simon Pegg once again delivers his engaging comedic wit, Rhames shows off an immense likeability and Ferguson effortlessly blends both mystery and physicality. Even Alec Baldwin, who doesn’t have massive roles in these films, gets his own ticket to the action scenes this time around. Not one cast member is at fault here, they all slot into the story and keep the action moving without a break in performance.

Mission Impossible: Fallout makes no hesitation in showcasing its commitment to action. The film soars both figuratively and literally; there are three main action sequences taking place around the world and without spoiling anything, all are executed to a flawless degree. The pacing is so perfectly tuned, layering out the obstacles in the team’s way, executing the finest stunts in the business, and then flipping things sideways with a hidden wild card. It’s incredible action filmmaking with every element contributing to the excitement; the wide-angle shots that give off a vast sense of scale (even better if you choose to see it in IMAX), the pulse-pounding soundtrack which grips the viewer while also delivering a somewhat moodier undertone and of course Cruise himself, who continues to deliver some of the most death-defying feats ever put on film. The style of the film is also very distinctive from its predecessors, with a heavy focus on the flames of disaster ravaging the opening credit sequences and a more saturated colour palette. If there’s any drawbacks at all, it’s that the trailers give too much away in terms of the set-pieces. It doesn’t take away from the action itself, but I recommend avoiding marketing material before you step into the theatre.

When you get to the sixth entry of a franchise, you wonder how it can continue the momentum of the last few offerings; I’m delighted to say that Mission Impossible has proven me wrong once again. Everything about Fallout (and indeed much of the franchise) has been lovingly crafted to bring us the best action film of the year so far, with exhilarating set-pieces, breathless pacing and excellent chemistry between the characters. It simply cannot be missed by any moviegoer.

Rating: 5/5 Stars (Exceptional)

Incredibles 2 Movie Review

Released: 13th July 2018 (UK)

Length: 118 Minutes

Certificate: PG

Director: Brad Bird

Starring: Craig T. Nielson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Eli Fucile, Samuel L. Jackson, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener and Brad Bird

2004’s The Incredibles marked the first time Pixar ever tackled stories with human characters and is widely regarded as one of the studio’s best efforts. It’s taken a long time for the sequel to arrive and any naysayers need not worry. Incredibles 2 is every bit as enjoyable as the first and another showcase of Pixar’s excellent track record in the animation business.

Things pick up literally seconds after the ending of the original film with the villainous Underminer (John Ratzenburger) showing up to wreak havoc on the city; the Parr family of Mr Incredible (Craig T. Nielson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and their children Violet (Sarah Vowell, Dash (newcomer Huck Milner) and JackJack (Eli Fucile) leaps into action alongside Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson). After another mishap with the government involving the legality of superheroes, the trio of classic superheroes are contacted by a multimillionaire superfan (played by Bob Odenkirk of Breaking Bad fame) who wants to change people’s perceptions of heroics and potentially bring them out of hiding. From here we swap back and forth between Elastigirl’s crime-fighting endeavours and Mr Incredible’s family time back home. The first act is quick and snappy with its call-backs to the first film and once Elastigirl is sent out, the narrative moves at a brisk pace, delivering both wacky comedy (the scenes with JackJack are all brilliant…) and fast-paced action in equal measure. All the way through, it does a fantastic job of involving every main character, while bringing in a few new ones and overall, the sense of scale has been increased. What I enjoyed most about the plot was how the kids all got their moment to shine, particularly in the last act. This was the perfect way to go after the original which often focused more on Mr Incredible and his character arc of a mid-life crisis.

Despite some recasting going on behind the scenes, the characters of Incredibles 2 are every bit as engaging as they were before. What makes it all work is the family dynamic meshed with each character’s own individual struggles; both in and out of the action, Incredibles 2 fully leverages the bond between the Parrs just as it did in the original film; Mr Incredible is juggling the pressures of family with his desires to be a superhero again, Dash is pushing through schoolwork and Violet is having trouble dating Tony Rydinger (Michael Bird) after overcoming her shyness. These everyday dilemmas are what make the characters so engaging and each of them are all oozing with personality, playing off each other well. The returning costume designer Edna Mode (again voiced by Brad Bird himself) is again great; you can’t help but get absorbed in her obsessive eccentricity over designing new superhero outfits. The one downside to the characterisation here is the villain; I won’t reveal their identity, but they fall short of Syndrome’s thematic hook, that idea of wanting to make everyone the same average person, rather than the best they can be. It’s a weak link, but far from enough to bring the film down.

With such a long gap between the two films, the sophistication of the animation has really leapt forward for Incredibles 2. The action is far more kinetic, involving more buildings, vehicles and clashing powers; the camera concisely whips around all of it and on the whole, I loved how the film looked; with a fantastic range of lighting effects for both the setting and the various technologies in use; it bursts through the screen in a flurry of colour. One set-piece about halfway through sees the film almost turn into a cell-shaded style, though for epileptics, I advise caution. It’s all based on an incredibly charming design template that director Brad Bird is known for with human characters of varying proportions to show off their individual characteristics. The classy setting of fifties superhero comics mixed with zany sci-fi technology also works brilliantly as does the heavy use of trumpets throughout Michael Giacchino’s soundtrack. The music in general feels far more energetic than the more slow-burn focus of the first film, always rising to sell the extravagant action scenes. I really can’t do the film’s style enough justice; going back to the first film then comparing its animation quality to the sequel is highly recommended to see the gigantic leap forward for yourself.

Incredibles 2 is an excellent sequel, one which continues the strengths of the first while really upping the action and production values. It doesn’t quite surpass its predecessor due to a weaker antagonist but that’s insignificant; whether you waited over a decade for the sequel or are just getting into Pixar’s filmmaking talent, this is a production that will satisfy all audiences in every way you wanted.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)