MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING (2025)

May 26, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. The eighth and (supposedly) final entry in a fantastic action film franchise that began in 1996 may not be the best of the bunch, yet it’s a mostly satisfying farewell to Ethan Hunt and his team of world-savers. Making his fourth stint as a writer-director for the latest “MI”, Oscar winner Christopher McQuarrie blends new danger and stunning action sequences with admirable (if not a few too many) tributes and nods to the past films and characters (including villains).

Of course, none of this would be possible without the freak-of-nature we know as Tom Cruise. Something I’ve said and written many times before – Mr. Cruise was not only born to play the role of Ethan Hunt, through the years he has definitively made it his own. What has allowed most of these films to work is a combination of thrilling escapades required to prevent a catastrophe, and the tongue-in-cheek tone designed to let the audience off the hook in recognizing the audacity of the whole thing. Unfortunately, this one omits the clever banter and instead goes with a couple of wise cracks that lack the effect.

For anyone who is a bit concerned about the future impact of Artificial Intelligence, “The Entity” is the real villain in this one, and it’s likely to spook you a bit more about the unknown and untapped power. Although Esai Morales returns as bad guy Gabriel, the true danger of global destruction comes courtesy of AI and its ability to take over control of all nuclear weapons on the planet. Only Ethan Hunt (should he choose to accept) and his team can stop this from happening, and if they do, it’s very likely those heroics will be last-second and towards the end of the 169-minute runtime … and after numerous action sequences that leave us breathless.

There are two truly stunning action/stunt sequences that feature Cruise at his most daring and a filmmaking team at its most technically advanced. The second of the two sequences, and the one getting the most attention is the aerial battle between two vibrantly-colored vintage biplanes. Now that description would be cool enough for most movies, but not for this franchise and certainly not for Cruise. Here, he climbs around the wing as one plane is airborne so he can take over the pilot’s seat. Again, that would be an incredible feat for anyone, but it barely scratches an itch for this guy. Instead, he then makes his way from one airborne plane to other airborne plane so that he can then fight THAT pilot (Gabriel) … and he must do so while executing another task that is required to save the world.

Yes, that aerial sequence is breathtaking and deserves accolades, yet it’s the ‘other’ huge action sequence that left me wide-eyed and clutching the armrests. Watching Ethan Hunt deep dive into frigid ocean waters to a long-ago sunken submarine, and then navigating his way through the giant metal tube as it tumbles on the sea floor is nothing short of astonishing and jaw-dropping. It’s fantastic to watch and unlike anything previously seen on screen – including other submarine movies or underwater scenes.

In addition to Cruise and Morales, other returning players include Haylee Atwell as Grace, Simon Pegg as Benji, Pom Klementieff as Paris (an amazing character), and Henry Czerny as Kittiridge. Also returning is Ving Rhames as Luther … he and Cruise are the only two to appear in all eight MI films. Additions to the superb cast are Angela Bassett as the President, as well as Holt McCallamy, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Tramell Tillman, and Hannah Waddingham. There is also a significant surprise appearance by another returner – one that I won’t spoil here. The final scene in Trafalgar Square comes across a bit corny, but let’s say they’ve earned the right.

Cruise’s courage and brilliance as Ethan Hunt are noted, while McQuarrie clearly has a love for the mission; and yet, we need to acknowledge the technical expertise brought by many, especially cinematographer Fraser Taggart and editor Eddie Hamilton. While this final entry might not be tops for the franchise, it’s yet another expertly crafted big budget film that delivers the thrills its audience expects. And for the price of a ticket, those two colossal action sequences combine with Lalo Schifrin’s timeless (and blood-pumping) theme song are tough to beat … make that impossible.

Playing nationwide in theaters

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE WILD ROBOT (2024, animation)

January 2, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. With four outstanding animated films released in 2024, this one adapted from Peter Brown’s 2016 book by director Chris Sanders (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, 2010) stands above the others thanks to a tremendous story and fascinating characters. This is one for all ages and all types of movie lovers. It’s simply that good.

A new-age robot washes ashore. With no assigned customer and no programmed task, “Roz” is a bit confused on how best to proceed. This leads to a trip into the forest where she shifts to ‘learning’ mode, and soon enough is speaking to the various wild animals – finding ways to ‘help’ most of them. It’s a terrific opening few sequences drawing us in with awe and surprisingly … character connection. A tragic accident finds an undersized and orphaned gosling basically playing “Are You My Mother?” with Roz. The 1960 book by that name is a kids’ classic written by PD Eastman and edited by Dr. Seuss, and re-read countless times by most parents.

What follows is an incredible adventure featuring many different creatures, each with distinct personalities. Only these aren’t the cartoon characters we are accustomed to seeing in animation. None here are training for a solo on stage or strategizing to escape the zoo. These are wild animals in nature, and sometimes bad things happen … and sometimes good things happen. As bonds are formed and trust gained, it’s wonderful to see the community come together. Much/most of the story revolves around three outcasts: Roz the robot who is searching for her task, Brightbill the gosling who is ignored by the skein of geese migrating, and Fink the fox whose loneliness matches his sly manipulations.

A talented and deep voice cast includes Lupita Nyong’O (Roz), Pedro Pascal (Fink the fox), Kit Connor (undersized and orphaned Brightbill), Bill Nighy (Longneck, leader of the geese), Stephanie Hsu (Vontra, leader of the retrieval bots), scene-stealing Matt Berry (Paddler the beaver), Ving Rhames (Thunderbolt, hawk), Mark Hamill (Thorn the grizzly bear), Catherine O’Hara (Pinktail the possom). It’s a lineup of celebrities, but this is no ego exhibition. The characters are developed and story is multi-faceted. Some scenes are tense, while others are capped with humorous moments (“male bovine excrement” cracked me up). There is an overall guiding message of kindness, cooperation, and putting others ahead of self.

The film’s score is by Oscar winner Kris Bowers, and Dreamworks, in their ongoing rivalry with Pixar, has delivered depth and artistry instead of the usual cash grab on project for kids. Without a specific task to complete, Roz manages to be a guiding light for Brightbill and a partner to Fink, all while being an asset to the community … even though she looks a bit worse for wear by the end. For those who typically shy away from animation, this one is worthy of a watch. This is expert filmmaking.

WATCH THE TRAILER

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE INSTIGATORS (2024)

August 8, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Add this to the long list of films reminding us to temper our expectations and high hopes prior to viewing. Still, optimism seemed reasonable given an excellent director and strong cast. Director Doug Liman has delivered such entertaining films as SWINGERS (1996), THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002), EDGE OF TOMORROW (2016), and this year’s remake of ROAD HOUSE (2024). Matt Damon and Casey Affleck both have Oscars on their mantels, and Hong Chau has a recent Oscar nomination. To top it off, the supporting cast includes such favorites as Jack Harlow, Alfred Molina, Michael Stuhlbarg, Andre De Shields, Ron Perlman, Toby Jones, Ving Rhames, and Paul Walter Hauser. All the pieces were in place. So, where’s the spark … the pizzazz … the fun?

The premise is promising enough. Former Marine Rory (Matt Damon) is a desperate man. He needs $32,480 to reboot his life – child support, alimony, mortgage, etc – so that he can reconnect with his son and watch him play hockey. When his therapist, Dr Donna Rivera (Hong Chau, THE WHALE, 2022) acknowledges his desperation, she asks, “Have you tried everything?” The next thing we know, somehow lowlife criminal Scalvo (Harlow) has teamed Rory with ex-con Cobby (Casey Affleck) for a job masterminded by Mr. Besegai (Stuhlbarg) and Mr. Dechico (Molina). The heist involves an election night fundraiser for corrupt incumbent Mayor Miccelli (Perlman) at the Boston Wharf. Along the way, we get a glimpse of Fenway Park, the famous Bobby Orr photograph, and a popular Patriot (the football kind).

Of course, the heist goes sideways … or whatever is worse than sideways for criminal activity … and an extended (i.e., entirely too long) car chase through downtown Boston plays out while Petula Clark croons “Downtown”, and Dr. Rivera is taken as a volunteer hostage who continues to pass along advice to her patient. Now for this to work, the action needs to be thrilling and the wit amongst the three participants in the car needs to be crackling. Neither of these occur.

The script was co-written by Chuck MacLean (“City on a Hill”) and co-star Casey Affleck, and it strives to be all things to all viewers … crime-thriller, buddy comedy, and action flick. It’s watchable, yet falls into that category we’ve come to dread: mostly forgettable. Even the ‘Butch and Sundance’ jokes fall flat. All of these talented folks will move along to their next projects, just as we will move along to the next movie. No harm/no foul.

Playing in select theaters and streaming on Apple TV+ beginning August 9, 2024

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Posted by David Ferguson

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE (2023)

July 9, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. The challenge in continuing the “Mission: Impossible” franchise is that fans expect each entry to be “bigger” and more awe-inspiring than the last. With the seventh film in the series, and the third straight he has directed, writer-director Christopher McQuarrie and superstar actor and daredevil Tom Cruise have managed to accomplish what seemed unlikely … they have delivered Ethan Hunt’s biggest and grandest mission yet. Prepare to be awed by the action.

You should know that this is “Part One” and it runs 163 minutes, a full hour longer than most movies, and exponentially more expensive to produce. All this during an age when ultra-high-budget blockbusters are being rumored to be fading from public interest. Of course, we are only one year removed from Tom Cruise’s TOP GUN: MAVERICK being credited with ‘saving cinema’, so stay on alert for a ‘sky is falling’ panic. McQuarrie co-wrote the script with Erik Jendresen (“Band of Brothers”), and they remain faithful to the characters and storylines established by the TV series creator, Bruce Geller.

There may never have been an actor more suited to a recurring role than Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt (Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones might be the closest). The story itself is fairly straightforward, even if the item being chased often feels like a MacGuffin. Your questioning of how a ‘simple’ spy-thriller can be effective is understandable, yet it’s fascinating to watch as Ethan Hunt’s mission in life as an agent is evaluated, as is the cost he’s paid as a man. Providing a contemporary theme, the obscure object of desire is an all-powerful key (actually two parts of a key) based on controlling an all-encompassing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In a twist on a familiar theme (and a classic comedy film), we have Airports, Trains, and EVs, the latter being a tiny Fiat with handcuffs. Still, the car chase is everything we might hope, while the high-tech facial search in the airport sequence delivers the thrills for techie viewers, and the train sparring occurs inside as well as on top. And lest you be worried, there are enough Cruise sprint scenes here to put CHARIOTS OF FIRE to shame.

Familiar faces include Ethan Hunt’s team of Luther (Ving Rhames, who along with Cruise, has appeared in all 7 MI films), Benji (Simon Pegg), and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). It’s nice to again see (and hear) Henry Czerny as Kittridge, Vanessa Kirby as arms dealer The White Widow, and Esai Morales – as Gabriel, the required villain in search of the same key as our good guys. New faces include Haylee Atwell as master pickpocket Grace, whose soul may or may not be beyond salvation; Cary Elwes as agency director Denlinger; Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis as officers after rogue Hunt; and Pom Klementieff as a hired assassin.

The stunt work here is outstanding, and of course, Tom Cruise is renowned for personally handling many of the most breathtaking acts – the most memorable one here being his riding of a motorcycle off a cliff. This stunt has a ‘making of’ video that’s been available for a while. As movie goers, we’ve never seen anything like it. This part one was originally scheduled for release in 2021 (thanks a lot, COVID), and now Part Two is set for 2024. It’s been 27 years since the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996) with Jon Voight … Cruise was 34 in that one. This particular mission is the biggest yet, and it would certainly be impossible for the rest of us. It’s a mission that will be closed out in Part Two, and simultaneously bring an end to Cruise’s remarkable run as Ethan Hunt.

**NOTE: Lalo Schifrin‘s theme song remains one of the best ever in cinema

Opening July 12, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT

July 25, 2018

 Greetings again from the darkness. Welcome back Ethan Hunt, and the other members of IMF. This is the 6th film in the franchise born (not Bourne) from the classic TV series (1966-73) created by Bruce Geller (credited in each film). Writer/director Christopher McQuarrie returns for this companion piece to his 2015 MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION, as of course does mega-star Tom Cruise as the aforementioned Ethan Hunt.

Hunt’s team of Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames) returns, as does really really bad guy Solomon Lane (a glowering Sean Hayes), and MI6 agent Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson). New to the scene is Agent August Walker (Henry Cavill, MAN OF STEEL), a hulking hunk of a man who doesn’t share Ethan’s belief in brainy strategy. Speaking of strategy, I was a bit tricky in inviting a friend to the screening who is in the midst of a years long boycott of Alec Baldwin movies. Although I felt a fleeting twinge of guilt, I believe the payoff was such that it lessened the impact of deception. Also appearing are Angela Bassett as a CIA toughie, Michelle Monaghan, Wes Bentley, and Vanessa Kirby (“The Crown”) as White Widow.

Most fans of this franchise have likely accepted that the stories are overly intricate – this one is unnecessarily jumbled – and they just enjoy the clamorous ride to an ending that typically has something to do with a bomb and saving the world. It’s the action and stunts that drive ticket sales, and this one has the most extreme and over-the-top action sequences we’ve seen yet. Even though there is a familiarity to some, the stunts are still quite impressive; and yes, Mr. Cruise, now in his mid-50’s, still performs his own stunts. This includes the leap between buildings where he actually suffered a broken ankle, shutting down production for a few months. The jump where he was injured is included in the film. And fear not, the Cruise Sprint is in full force on numerous occasions. Sadly, there is also a quick shot of a Ving Rhames jog – nothing but painful to watch.

The film opens with a wedding day nightmare, but quickly moves to what the fans want – globetrotting, chase scenes, slick advanced technology and wacky stunts. The streets, bridges and landmarks of Paris are on full and spectacular display, while the chase scenes occur on foot, on motorcycle, in cars, and in helicopters. Crazy stunts include HALO jumping, rock climbing and dangling from an elevator shaft. There is a relentless brawl scene in a men’s room where Hunt gets face planted into a porcelain sink and thrown through a wall … and thanks to the magic of Hollywood, five minutes later, he has nary a scratch and looks as debonair as James Bond ever has. However, it’s the final helicopter sequence through the mountains and cliffs of Kashmir that provide the signature moments of the film. Even with the nod to JURASSIC PARK, it’s a breathtaking scene.

Running nearly 2 ½ hours, this is the longest of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE films, and Ethan Hunt remains, along with Maverick in TOP GUN (sequel filming now), the best fit for Tom Cruise the actor and celebrity. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for Henry Cavill. He’s blessed with extraordinary genes – just not the thespian types. Filled with double and triple and quad crossings, whether you can follow the story or not, only the most stoic would claim you will find this anything less than an adrenaline rush … should you decide to accept. Plus, it still features one of the best theme songs ever – especially powerful with today’s phenomenal theatre sound systems. Thanks Lalo Schifrin.

watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION (2015)

August 16, 2015

MI rogue nation Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been almost 20 years since the beginning of the MI movie franchise, and in that time, Tom Cruise has aged at least 3 months. Perhaps the prank is on us and Mr Cruise actually filmed his scenes for all 5 Mission: Impossible movies in 1995. Of course that didn’t happen, yet somehow each entry of the series manages to get bigger and louder and wilder, so that we may continually marvel at the fountain of youth and physical prowess of the actor seemingly born to play Ethan Hunt.

Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher) becomes the fifth different director to helm a film in the franchise, and he kicks things off with the stunning pre-credit action sequence you have probably already heard about … Cruise tackles an Airbus A400M (aka a huge cargo plane). It’s a short, but incredibly impressive stunt sequence that sets the stage for a movie filled with action, fighting, stunts, comedy, and intrigue – all with minimal CGI.

Alec Baldwin appears as the head of the CIA and the guy trying to permanently shut down the IMF (Impossible Mission Force), while Jeremy Renner does his best to prevent this from happening – without officially confirming or denying any specific action of Ethan Hunt’s team. When Baldwin wins, Cruise goes rogue in an attempt to track down Soloman Lane (played by Sean Harris), the sinister leader of the terrorist group known as The Syndicate (mentioned briefly at the end of the last MI movie).

As spectacular as Cruise is, the real flavor of the movie comes courtesy of Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa – a spy, double spy, or something else. Ilsa is smart and exceedingly well trained, and the perfect partner/adversary for Hunt … depending on the moment. Admittedly, this viewer knew nothing of Ms. Ferguson prior to the film, as her best known work as come on TV’s “The White Queen”. While I couldn’t help but chuckle as Ilsa made her way through Casablanca, it seemed apropos since fellow Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman made cinematic history there some 73 years prior.

Simon Pegg returns and as a bigger role this time alongside Cruise. Pegg plays gadget-dude Benji Dunn, and as you would expect adds a welcome dose of comical dialogue along the way. Joining Cruise as the only actors to appear in all five MI movies is Ving Rhames as Luther. He is given little to do this time, and it’s pretty clear Mr. Rhames has not adhered to the same workout program as Mr Cruise over the years. Alec Baldwin seems to be parodying Alec Baldwin these days, and he has become a real on screen distraction – seriously in need of a change-of-pace role. Sean Harris uses his voice to generate an unusual coldness to his role as villain, and Simon McBurney and Tom Hollander deliver the expected steady turns.

With a nod to Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much, there is a wonderful sequence at the Venice Austria Opera House … in the background to Puccini’s Turandot. In addition to the Opera and the opening aviation-based fun, we also have an exhilarating motorcycle chase, some new and tricky high-tech gadgetry, an unusual car chase through the hairpin turns of Morocco, the patented MI “mask” trick, and plenty of fight scenes involving Cruise and Ferguson.  Even if none of that existed, fans like me would still buy a ticket just to hear the theatrical version of one of the most iconic theme songs ever written (by Lalo Schifrin).

If you are a fan of the Mission: Impossible franchise, you will undoubtedly find this to be a welcome and fun addition. And since Cruise has already signed on for another, the most impossible mission may be in determining whether he gets any older prior to its release.

watch the trailer:

 

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson