Pros:
1.) The setup for the action sequences in these films is always excellent. Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) has to deal with a scenario that is highly difficult at best and impossible at worst, and he manages to do so by the skin of his teeth. While I can see the argument that some of his obstacles can be convenient (i.e., a piece of equipment he would normally use may end up breaking before the mission), it is still a great challenge to see how Ethan can get past them. The setups are creative, and these filmmakers still got it…
2.) …As for the action sequences themselves, you should know that these filmmakers will give it their all. From the purposely awkward car chase in Italy to the tough fights on top of a train in Austria, I love that Tom Cruise can still dish out these sequences alongside his other castmates. In fact, one of the action scenes reminds me of the train sequence in Uncharted 2 I would not be surprised that they got their influence from that just like in one of the last Mission: Impossible films. If there is only one action scene I did not like, it is a tight hallway fight scene due to how close and shaky the camera is. Other than that, I cannot wait how the next film tops this.
3.) As for the story, the stakes have never been higher than this. I am not going to give too much away since the trailers did the same thing, but let’s just say what Ethan and his friends are facing next truly is Mission: Impossible, especially with how it may pay off in the next film. If it works, this will be one of the most worthy and amazing finales of a film franchise similar to Avengers: Endgame in the MCU from Phase 1 to Phase 3. Until then, this film has a fantastic setup with a hopefully fantastic payoff.
Cons:
1.) One antagonist named Gabriel (played by Esai Morales) seems like an interesting villain, but the problem is that the film does not give him much characterization and screen time. The only big description about him is that he influenced Ethan Hunt to join IMF, and he is loyal to the main antagonist. There are hints to his character, and not much else. Maybe it will pay off in the next film, but until then, he is no Jim Phelps or Solomon Lane.
2.) I will not spoil this, but something happens to one character that is obvious due to how it was set up. The scene with this character is done well, but looking back, it is fairly predictable what is going to happen. The film spends time with this character with another, and it is supposed to be a happy moment until they have to go on their mission. It is obvious what was going to occur despite still hitting hard.
Overall:
From its origins being a television show to a big film series, the Mission: Impossible series has delivered on its action that is backed up with great stories. One has to wonder if Tom Cruise will stop anytime soon, but this film will be one of the two last films of the series that will be a send-off to Ethan Hunt. Will it pay off in the end? So far, this is a great start to this two-part film. I hesitate to call this the perfect Mission: Impossible film since there is one more continuing this story, but if the next one hits its mark, it will be a fantastic way to end Ethan Hunt’s run. I do not need to recommend this film to anyone since you are likely going to watch it anyway, and we will see if these last two missions will truly be accomplished.
9/10
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