Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation: Movie Review

I never would have guessed that 20 years later, the Tom Cruise led “Mission: Impossible” franchise would still be going strong. Much like the “Fast & Furious” series, this one just keeps getting bigger and better. Topping 2011’s Brad Bird directed “Ghost Protocol” was an impossible mission all on its own. Taking over the director’s chair is Christopher McQuarrie (“Jack Reacher”) and he brings what is probably the second best entry, just behind “Ghost Protocol”.

Cruise who is now in his fifties, is showing no signs of slowing down, returning once again as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Team members Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), William Brandt (Jeremy Renner), and Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) are also along for their most impossible mission to date.

It turns out there is an International rogue organization called the Syndicate and they plan to destroy the IMF. Although Ethan knows of the Syndicate’s existence, nobody else believes him. Head of the CIA, Hunley (Alec Baldwin) has the IMF dismantled and his next task is to bring Ethan in to answer for the mayhem he has caused over the years.

“Rogue Nation” has everything you want in a big action popcorn flick. Great characters, clever writing and most important, impressive action sequences. One of the best here is an amazing motorcycle chase through Morocco. There is also the sexy female agent (Rebecca Ferguson) that gets to kick some ass and look good doing so. One of the common flaws in this series is the lack of an interesting villain and even though Sean Harris (“Prometheus”) is an interesting actor, he brings very little as the film’s baddie. That one issue would not stop me from recommending “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” to those looking for a fun time at the movies.

By: Marc Ferman