By Cynthia Ayala

Ethan Hunt and his teammates reunite for this pulse-pounding sequel, in which they attempt to take down a secret international organization known as the Syndicate—highly skilled ex-IMF agents who are intent on bringing down their former outfit.

—Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Tom Cruise is still a star. It’s really no surprise why this movie has been doing so well. Let’s face it, even if you aren’t a fan of Tom Cruise, he still has the star power, still puts his best foot forward in order to give the best performance possible. But besides that, the film was not only action packed but it had sexual tension, comedy and action rolled up into one neat little package.

In this latest addition to the MI series, Tom Cruise has returned to his role of agent Ethan Hunt of the IMF, the Impossible Missions Force. However, the director of the CIA, played by Alec Baldwin has disbanded the IMF leaving Tom Cruise as a rogue agent bent on one mission: take down the Syndicate, an organization equal to the IMF. However, without IMF resources, Hunt (Cruise) is left straggling. But as fans know, you can’t keep a good agent down.

Part of the charm is that nothing is easy in this film; Cruise really does get his tushie handed to him from time to time. He is manipulated and beaten. Nevertheless, his character is known for being very intelligent, and that’s what this movie really takes a focus on, turning this film into a battle of wits.

Cruise continues to play this character with such ease, making him very charming, very funny and captivating. You don’t have to like the actor to like to character or the movie. The film was written so well to bring out the charm of the actors, to bring out the humor. Yeah this is a spy movie, and even a drama but that doesn’t mean it has to be so serious. Humor is the key, and the writers nailed it perfectly. They tied in the humor the serious moments very well and were able to capitalize on the actors talents to bring out the comedic factor even when everything else is going wrong. Simon Pegg especially was probably the main actor who supplied the comedic relief in the film and as far as casting choices went, they couldn’t have picked a more perfect person for the job. He had perfect chemistry with Cruise and Renner and all together they all played off of each other and delivered their lines perfectly.

Rebecca Ferguson also took seductive to a whole other level. To the audience her loyalty is left mysterious. Lot’s of misdirection in the film keeps the audience on their feet and when you look at her, well you want to believe she’s a good guy, she makes you think it, and makes you doubt it. Her talent was remarkable and the way she and Cruise connected on screen was simply brilliant. They were in sync throughout the entire movie and just nailed the chemistry.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is incredible. From the opening sequence, there is action and humor and both are done with excellent precision. This movie deserves praise and is better than Ghost Protocol. If you’re a fan you will not be disappointed. And if you’re not, you’re still going to love this film and everything it has to offer. (★★★★ | A+)

– Film Credits –

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie

Screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie

Story by Christopher McQuarrie & Drew Pearce

Based on Mission: Impossible by Bruce Geller

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames Sean Harris & Alec Baldwin

Genre | Rating | Length: Action, Thriller, Adventure | PG-13 | 2 hr. 11 min.

Distributed by Paramount Pictures