So over the past week I pulled a M:I marathon leading into seeing Fallout. Really glad I did as these films represent one of the greatest franchises of the past 2 decades. It’d been a while since I’d seen some of these so it was a blast watching them in succession.
Mission: Impossible - 7/10
While this film has started to show it’s age a bit it still holds up. De Palma relies on a strong narrative with plenty of misdirection and satisfying twists making this more spy/espionage thriller than action film. While Cruise undoubtedly carries the film it sets the standard going forward of a strong supporting ensemble cast.
Mission: Impossible II - 7.5/10
Widely regarded as the weakest entry in the franchise you can’t deny John Woo is responsible for shifting the franchise to a more adrenaline fueled action vehicle. I personally think this film gets a bad rap as I enjoyed the more imposing physical threats from the villains here. The narrative is unquestionably more simplistic this time around but the cat & mouse routine established in the first film is ramped up as Hunt’s adversary is a match for him on every level.
Mission: Impossible III - 9/10
JJ Abrams takes his experience from the excellent spy/thriller tv series Alias and applies it to the M:I franchise with fantastic effect. Again the antagonist is strong and imposing which ads a ton for me in these types of films. With an increased emphasis on tension, character development and intrigue he delivers one of the strongest installments.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - 8/10
Where most franchises start to get long in the tooth by their 4th entry the M:I series manages to stay fresh by giving another Director a crack at bringing something new to the table without changing the successful formula. Brad Bird delivers some of the most impressive action set pieces to date while also furthering the character development established in the last film. While I enjoyed M:I 3 more, mostly due to the lack of a well developed antagonist here, this is still a strong entry and helped solidify the franchise for the next decade or more.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 9.5/10
For me this is where the franchise really ramps up. The plot surrounding The Syndicate is highly intriguing and easily the most layered/complex narrative to date. The ensemble cast haas never been stronger with the addition of Ilsa Faust to the game and the villains are once again a match for Hunt on every level. Christopher McQuarrie’s direction is brilliant. Probably my favorite entry in the franchise but with Fallout fresh on my mind it’s hard to pick one over the other right now.
Mission: Impossible - Fallout - 9.5/10
A very satisfying conclusion to not only the narrative established in Rogue Nation but to the M:I series as a whole. Lots of fan service here for those attentive enough to pick it all up tying all the way back to the first film. McQuarrie proves he has this series down probably better than any of the Directors to come before him. Hence him being the only one to helm a second feature. I can’t think of another franchise in history where the material continues to get better. Fallout and Rogue Nation mark a high point for the series making it arguably the best action spy series running to date.