Movie review: Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Ethan and team are back and this time they are hunting the Syndicate, an international rogue organization committed to eradicating the IMF. But this time they may have met their match as the Syndicate seems to always be several steps ahead of everyone else.

Tom Cruise (Ethan), Jeremy Renner (Brandt), Simon Pegg (Benji), Rebecca Ferguson (Ilsa), Ving Rhames (Luther), Sean Harris (Lane), Alec Baldwin (Hunley), Simon McBurney (Atlee), Jens Hulten (Janik).

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation launches right into things with Ethan disavowed and striking out against the Syndicate - an international rogue organization focused on the elimination of the IMF. As the plot unfolds we learn Lane, the Syndicate leader, is determined to eliminate Ethan at any cost. While the plot is decent, these films are really about the action, adventure, and excitement. On that front MI: Rogue Nation delivers fairly well blending action, intrigue, and mystery nicely.

Acting was good as usual here. Cruise delivered his usual in a role he knows well and manages pretty well. Renner and his character seemed to change a bit with a less active role and more anger, which he presented nicely. Pegg was fun as usual blending humor and drama well. Ferguson was solid, as was Rhames. Harris made a good nemesis and brought a nice creepy factor to the film. The remainder of the cast was solid and did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are always enjoyable in these films with grand sets, scenery, and well done technical work. Action scenes were nicely done even if a few were over the top and beyond belief. Dialogue was enjoyable with decent depth. Sound and soundtrack were the usual MI fare.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is another good entry in the MI franchise, delivering the energy and depth we have come to expect. While the series is enjoyable, one has to wonder how long Cruise can continue to present himself as an action hero. Until he can't, we'll continue to enjoy the MI franchise as fast, fun, and entertaining.

With plenty of violence and some brief mild nudity, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 3.18.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Espionage Action, Spy Thrillers, Action Thriller, Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel