by Sherry Lipp

Mission Impossible Rogue Nation Poster

I got into Mission: Impossible with Ghost Protocol in 2011. The TV show and the first three films at that point were off my radar. I’m not sure why with the films – the show was a little before my time. I like a good action film and I’ve seen most of Tom Cruise’s other films. Nonetheless, what attracted me to Ghost Protocol was Simon Pegg (I know he was in the third one, but it was a small part). The trailer looked exciting and funny, and upon seeing the film I was so wowed I almost immediately wanted to see it again. Rogue Nation had a lot to live up to in my mind, and I’m happy to say that it did. It was exciting, funny, and I can’t wait to see it again.

What works so well about Rogue Nation is all the pieces fit together so well. The plot is interesting, but not too complicated. The action sequences punctuate the storyline and keep the film moving at a quick pace and they fit the context of the film. I’m not going to say that Ethan Hunt (Cruise) hanging off the side of a plane as it lifts off isn’t over the top, but in Hunt’s world it feels like these things are supposed to happen.

Perhaps the best element of the last two Mission: Impossible films is the comradery between Hunt and the rest of his team. Returning from Ghost Protocol are Jeremy Renner as Agent Brandt and Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn. Paula Patton is inexplicably missing, but Ving Rhames’ role has luckily been expanded from the previous film. The female lead this time goes to Rebecca Ferguson who does a great job playing the “is she good or bad” foil to Hunt.

TAURUS

Following the events of Ghost Protocol, CIA honcho Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) has had the IMF shut down leaving Hunt “in the cold” as they say in the spy world. Brandt and Benji are reassigned to the CIA and forced to disavow themselves from Hunt or face prosecution. Of course we know the team will have to find their way back to each other. The people who can take on impossible missions are the only ones who can possibly fight the evil-minded mastermind behind The Syndicate – a group set on wreaking havoc throughout the world just because they can.

Photo credit: Christian Black

Photo credit: Christian Black

There are plenty of awesome set pieces in Rogue Nation and to talk about them too much would spoil the fun. I will say one that sticks out in my mind as standing out is a heart-pounding sequence set at an Austrian opera. It’s Hitchcockian feel lends a unique contrast the car chases, fights, and other adrenaline rushes in the film.

The final word is Mission: Impossible is a lot of fun, with plenty of action and enough plot twists to keep you guessing until the end. As far as summer movies go this one is hard to beat.

Mission Impossible Rogue Nation images: Paramount

Sherry Lipp
Sherry is a writer/blogger specializing in entertainment and food writing. You can find her gluten and grain-free food articles at scdforlife.com.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.