By Nadia Ranaputri
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| Image source: Digital Spy |
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Cast: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Henry Cavill, Sean Harris, Angela Basset, Vanessa Kirby, Alec Baldwin, Michelle Monaghan.
There is no doubt that Mission: Impossible has become the franchise that significantly gets better with each installment. We go to the movies to witness the magic and fun of a motion picture, don't we all? Well, that's one of the essence of the Mission: Impossible franchise. But what sets it apart from other franchises of its action genre in the likes of James Bond or the evergrowing Fast and Furious? Each of its own installment has mastered, if not elevated the elements of surprise, action, and its most powerful weapon: storytelling. The franchise may have grown increasingly in the amount of installments, but this gem also increases in story. Ghost Protocol was the brilliant sequel/revival of the series that brought the franchise back in the game, Rogue Nation elevated the franchise even further and rival other films of its genre, and its latest, Fallout; continues to further elevate the franchise on another level.
Two years after the events of Rogue Nation, Fallout presents a new mission to IMF agent Ethan Hunt: retrieve the plutonium from black market mercenaries to prevent the Apostles, the Syndicate's newest label; from obtaining it and unleash a nuclear bomb on the world. The mission however, ends in shambles, with Ethan and his team losing the plutonium in the process. As compensation for their failed mission, Ethan sets his sights on the White Widow, a mercenary dealer under the guise of a broker, who happens to have the previously missing plutonium stored in her vaults. This is then intervined by the CIA, who thrusts one of their own into the IMF team, causing a rift between both the IMF and the CIA. To make matters more complicated, Ethan's former ally turned supposed stranger Ilsa Faust makes her presence clear in the already harrowing situation, leaving Ethan and his team with hard-hitting decisions that could either bring salvation or destruction of not only the IMF, but the rest of the world with it.
One could perhaps say that Fallout is the best of the franchise, and it could be in some ways, but in many ways than one, it stands proudly alongside its other previous installments. You've got the stars, the action, and the stunts, but what's the point of it if you can't deliver a good story along with it? Fallout and its predecessors have proven that yes, a good story it what elevates its other elements to a whole other level. This is some master storytelling at hand here. It's not often that action films, especially spy films nowadays, utilize its maze of a plot and turn it into something of a special piece of storytelling. It's not just plot twists and action, it creates real challenges for our protagonists, both physically and mentally. Fallout is what 2015's Spectre should have been, rounding up the consequences of previous events and incorporating them in a whole new canvas for a new kind of story. Perhaps Fallout is somewhat some sort of culmination of the franchise, even if it was meant to be the culmination of the franchise, it truly manages to tie the pieces together in spectacular fashion.
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| Image source: Variety |
And there's an incredible amount of character development that makes the characters even more than just super spies and genius tech savies. Ethan, in particular, has great development throughout the franchise. He's the kind of spy who's loyal, honest, and all kinds of badass. Even Pegg's Benji Dunn, the tech genius of the team, has been more than just the comedic relief; he remains as vital to the team as the other members. Ferguson's Ilsa has a great arc going on here, proving as more than just a mere female spy who can kick butt, and with the help of Ferguson's performance; Ilsa is also able to develop as a complex character with complex values. Ving Rhames is also given a couple of emotional moments that really hits the spot, one particular scene being an emotional moment between him and Ferguson's Ilsa. Its newest additions, Cavill, Bassett, and Kirby (though Kirby and Bassett are a little underused), bring their A-game in to the mix (especially Cavill, who manages to shed the shadow of the man of steel and kick his way in to the team as a potential ally with fierce principles and a cool demeanor).
Of course, every Mission: Impossible film is not complete without its defining trait: iconic action setpieces with the one and only Tom Cruise, and once again, it really is him doing all the exhilirating action that you see on screen. Not only that, but the action itself is another vital reason why the film thrives. Fallout has incredible action sequences that are immersive and at the same time, cohesive. And the best part is: it's exciting and exhilirating. Shaky camera work and lazy editing don't exist here, and the same applies to strokes of a one-note tone. There's an exhilirating HALO jump atop Paris' bright lights, a beautifully constructed car chase sequence around the bustling Paris streets, and the tension-filled helicopter scene that gracefully highlights the alps of Kashmir. Each of its action sequences is significantly constructed to have its own vibe and continuously excels one after the other with its stunts, setpieces, and Lorne Balfe's impressive score.
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| Image source: Nothing But Geek |
Mission: Impossible- Fallout is proof that not only is the franchise stopping anytime soon, but also of what happens when the amount of attention and focus on creating a good story is equal to building high stakes and thrilling action setpieces that get better with each and every sequence. Fallout truly raises the bar for modern spy films and is a true rival of other films that tackle the genre. Fallout creates an impressive culmination that really pays off to the fans who have passionately followed the franchise over the years, constantly elevating its game with each installment. When you see Christopher McQuarrie's name as the writer and director at the beginning of the film, it may merely be a name, but by the time the film ends, McQuarrie is the guy you want to take by the hand and throw a celebratory party in his name because you know that he's nailed it for the second time in a row.
Overall verdict: continuing the franchise's gold streak, Fallout spectacularly nails nearly every single element that keeps audiences immersed and on the edge of their seat. Fallout further cements its great character development that its predecessor had successfully created, presenting challenging arcs for our protagonists whilst every once in a while, adding a sprinkle of humorous banter. Its action sequences and setpieces are as always, thrilling and enticing. However, Bassett and Kirby are slightly underused despite their intriguing morals, but not to the point where they're considered useless plot devices. But Mission: Impossible- Fallout, like its predecessors, truly know how to mix enthralling action, gorgeous cinematography, and an equally gorgeous score to accompany each sequence; with great storytelling. If you're looking for some damn good fun with a great story, look no further than Mission: Impossible- Fallout.
Stars: 4.6/5
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