"Mission: Impossible _ Fallout" is the perfect summer movie to cap off July, a month where the movies in the annual summer derby at least entertained.
But "Fallout" goes beyond mere entertainment. It's one of the best action films to come along in years and shows this franchise, now 22 years old (52 if you're counting the original TV series), shows little sign of running out of steam. And this very well could be the slickest, most action-packed installment to date.
Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie takes what could be the cliche at this point and tosses them into a blender to generate familiar moves that feel fresh. And that's the key isn't it? Too many franchises run out of steam without something else to power them.
It's not as if the "Mission: Impossible" franchise possesses a wealth of material to mine for new plots _ although the end of the world seems to be involved in each one _ like the comic book genre.
In fact, with "Fallout," the plot is all too familiar as an anarchist and his apostles work to secure three plutonium cores that can be used to build nuclear devices. The plan: Cause a widespread catastrophe so that a lasting peace can take hold in the world. That seems to be an odd way to go about things, but it's in the script.
It's up to Ethan Hunt (the still boyish Tom Cruise) and his team that includes Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) to come to the rescue. Of course, it won't be easy, as their agency is forced to play nice with the CIA and entertain the presence of special agent August Walker (Henry Cavill), who operates from his own agenda.
Throughout their little jaunt to save the planet from evil doers, the team endures incredible situations that lead to some of the most jaw-dropping stunt work to grace a movie in a while. Among the instant classics: a helicopter chase to close the film (and apparently Cruise, as is his custom, performed most of the stunt work in these scenarios).
The most significant surprise, however, that "Fallout" provides comes in the form of emotional beats. Among the current cast, which has worked together for several films now, chemistry bubbles to the surface, providing more than a few touching moments.
To hear Luther, who comes across as the wise older brother, talk about Hunt's love for and reasoning behind leaving his former wife Julia (Michelle Monaghan) to the person who could be his future, offers a genuine touching moment.
Julia's return proves welcome as she gives Hunt more of an emotional link, but just as importantly, they finally contend with the angst that's been so prevalent in the characters since they realized they will forever live with star-crossed status. The story arc and performances provide some needed balance to the proceedings.
Cruise is best in those moments, but it's difficult to not appreciate the earnestness he brings when Hunt is all business. Pegg's comic sensibilities fit right in and Cavill (Man of Steel) brings presence to what could be an entirely thankless role.
McQuarrie's effort shows his formidable skills as a filmmaker and storyteller, although it's difficult to not fault his script for one predictable element. McQuarrie, who previously directed "Mission: Impossible _ Rogue Nation," would be a perfect director for any huge action franchise. "Mission: Impossible _ Fallout" just solidifies that statement.
