Mission Impossible: Fallout

Following from Rogue Nation, Mission Impossible: Fallout finds IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) dealing with the consequences of capturing former MI6 agent turned anarchist Solomon Lane (Sean Harris). Lane’s former network of double-agents have reformed as The Apostles, dedicated once more to causing complete social collapse. After three plutonium cores go missing, the race is on to uncover The Apostles and the absent cores before a nuclear bomb is detonated.

In what has become a well-tried formula, Hunt trots the globe as he fights the odds against a looming threat. The result is a show-stopping spectacular of gadgetry, stunts and set-pieces as the viewer is catapulted along a head-spinning tale of adrenaline laced adventure. In spite of the high stakes at play, Fallout attempts to be a more personal tale for Ethan Hunt, drawing upon his guilt over his personal life and his past refusal to kill Lane. The mix between action, intrigue and emotional turmoil works well. Yet Fallout will still please fans of  Mission Impossible and audiences seeking a distracting tale of thrills and adventure.

Narratively, Fallout contains all the clever twists and deus ex machina moments which hallmark the Mission Impossible franchise, alongside its relish in fantastical gadgetry. The action is also more bombastic than ever. From gunfights to car chases the set-pieces are utterly gripping, especially a helicopter chase in Fallout’s final moments. Fallout clearly builds on the experience of cast and crew in stunt work during the prior films. Director Christopher McQuarrie’s use of depth of field adds to the scale and danger of the film’s chases and fights. Fallout’s recording upon 35mm and formatting into 4K results in a visually stunning film. Having first watched Fallout upon release in the cinemas and now on Netflix, the film’s aspect ratio struggles to consistently translate on even high-end televisions, but the film’s overall power is not diminished. McQuarrie’s direction is aided by Lorne Balfe’s score which emphasises the slightly darker tone of this addition to the Mission Impossible franchise.

Cruise reprises the role of Ethan Hunt, imbuing the character which his typical charisma. Best known for his career as an action hero, Cruise carries Fallout’s foray into more serious sub-plots given his versatility as an actor. Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames return as IMF team members Benji and Luther respectively. Rebecca Ferguson also reprises her role MI6 agent and love-interest Ilsa Faust. New addition Henry Cavill is CIA hitman August Walker sent to shadow Ethan at the behest of CIA chief Erica Sloane (Angela Bassett). Cast both old and new give great performances and there is clear sense that they enjoyed being involved in the film.The supporting IMF characters alongside Faust add both relief and vulnerability to the seemingly unstoppable Hunt. Sloane and Walker provide a further tension to Ethan’s quest. Cruise and Cavill also work exceptionally well together as they butt heads throughout the film. Sean Harris exudes the same menace he harnessed in Rogue Nation.

Mission Impossible: Fallout plays out as expected, but it is an enjoyable ride nevertheless. I cannot wait for the new Mission Impossible film, which has fortunately resumed filming.

By Saul Shimmin

For the trailer, see below;

Mummy (2017) – Teaser

The Mummy starring Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Annabelle Wallis, and Sophia Boutella. Directed by Alex Kurtzman and written by Christopher McQuarrie & Jon Spaihts. Out in 2017.

Hagood’s Thoughts:

On first viewing, Saul and I were both skeptical of this movie’s motives. As with most remakes, I assumed Universal Pictures, K/O Paper Products, and the Sean Daniel Co. created this movie with the intent to manipulate our love of ancient Egypt and mummies to raid our wallets. However, now, upon learning that Mr. McQuarrie (writer of Edge of Tomorrow & The Usual Suspects) and Jon Spaihts (writer of Prometheus & Dr. Strange) are penning the script, I have more hope. I know this puts Saul in a quandary because he hates Strange but loves Prometheus. I’ll hold my breath for this one and pray it does better than Brendan Frasier’s mediocre trilogy.

Saul’s Thoughts:

The first thing that surprised me about this reboot is that is not a period piece. The prior Mummy trilogy have all been set in the first of half the 20th century, while this reboot is firmly modern,

I enjoyed the Mummy trilogy growing up because the period setting had the same sense of adventure and exploration as another great series, Indiana Jones.

Hopefully this reboot does not replace periodic allure with ‘Bayhem’, the technique created by Michael Bay where films revolve around explosions and the demolition of cities. Unfortunately that does seem likely as the Mummy in question is destroying a city area at the end of the trailer.

Update: The first full trailer for The Mummy has been released.

Hopefully, Annabelle Wallis, of principal renown for her role in Peaky Blinders as Thomas Shelby’s love interest, will get some decent screen time. It is clear that she will be playing the love interest in this film, as Tom Cruise sacrifices himself to save her in the trailer.

The switch between male and female for the Mummy this time round is an interesting choice. I wonder if there is any reason for the switch, besides distinguishing the upcoming film from the prior series.

The morgue scene in which the plane crash victims are wrapped in plastic imitates how mummies were wrapped in linen prior to burial. Tom Cruise bursts from his body bag, which is a hint that he may be linked to an artefact or the villain somehow, and hence his survival.

The military convoy in both the teaser trailer and the first full trailer, coupled with the seeming damage to central London means that ‘Bayhem’ is confirmed.

I assume that the presence of the U.S military in discovering the new Mummy is part of some sub-plot to create bio-weapons.

Russell Crowe  will either be an ally to Cruise and Wallis, or a Government agent who joins the Mummy in her quest to outperform Loki, the decepticons, Bane, and all your other villainous pals, in destroying urban architecture.