Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

UK Release Date: 31 July 2015

Certification: 12A
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Cast: Alec Baldwin, Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Tom Hollander, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames

Rating: 76%

Review:

For the majority of the Mission: Impossible franchise the films continue to improve in quality, a testament to the enthusiasm and passion from everyone involved in each entry. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is no different. It's bolder, it's increasingly demanding but yet the film somehow retains a strong sense of originality. 

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation unexpectedly ups the ante from Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. Tom Cruise may have dangled off the Burj Khalifa in the previous addition, a commendable feat unlike anything seen before, but that's next to nothing compared to what Cruise puts himself through in this film. He hung onto the outside of a plane during takeoff, learnt to hold his breath underwater for up to six minutes and rode at high speeds on a motorbike across the streets of Casablanca. His application to realistic authenticity is immense. Tom Cruise is the definitive action star. 

The film shares a larger significance as the first time Tom Cruise collaborated with director, Christopher McQuarrie, inside the world of Mission: Impossible. He has had a role in Cruise's career since 2008 and the two would only go from strength to strength in years to come. McQuarrie definitely doesn't have the same flair as Brian De Palma or even Brad Bird but what he does have is an uncanny eye for thrill and excitement. He gets the audience on the edge of their seat without fail. 

Rebecca Ferguson is a great addition to the cast. Her chemistry with Tom Cruise is tangible throughout. She's able to pull off the action required whilst maintaining a sense of secrecy that makes the audience want to know more about her character. 

Quite possibly my favourite rendition of the iconic theme resides within Joe Kraemer's score. 'The A400' opens the film with soft undertones but harsh and potentially overpowering chimes. It immediately sets the tone for events to come with its breakneck pace that shows no sign of stopping.