Nostalgic Review: Mission: Impossible Franchise

Based off the TV series from the late 60's and early 70's, this is a very popular franchise that is loved by millions.
Lead by Tom Cruise as the agent Ethan Hunt, this series of films made Cruise become well known for doing his own stunts and become the committed actor he is today.
Despite Tom Cruise having such a vast filmography, this is the only franchise that he has been part of.

From jumping out of an exploding restaurant to climbing on the side of the tallest building in the world, this franchise has become a trend-setter in making the most unbelievable action set-pieces.

With many stars such as Jon Voight, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, Kristin Scott Thomas, Emilio Estevez, Vanessa Redgrave, Dougray Scott, Thandie Newton, Brendan Gleeson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, Simon Pegg, Eddie Marsan, Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin, Sean Harris, Henry Cavill and Angela Bassett involved. This franchise has most definitely attracted the big stars.

Mission: Impossible - One of the highest-grossing films of 1996.

Director Brian De Palma gives us such a fun film with action set-pieces that have become iconic.

Despite a lot of the technology looking incredibly out-dated and one action set piece looking completely stupid, I love this the more times I watch it.

Rating: 7/10

Mission: Impossible II - Definitely the weakest in the franchise, but still has enough in it to enjoy.

With director John Woo giving us a lot of  his signature film-making party pieces, it sort of ruins the Mission: Impossible tone.

But thankfully, the action involved is enjoyable to watch.

Rating: 7/10

Mission: Impossible III - Many people's favorite including myself.

Directed by J.J Abrams, this is wonderfully made action and the most interesting story out any other M:I features.

This also has a terrific performance by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman who plays the villain.

Rating: 8/10


Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - When IMF is shut down, Cruise and his team go rogue to clear their organisation's name.

As usual, it is good fun and one astonishing action set-piece.
I was impressed by Paula Patton, who gave us a very physical performance.

Quite a few have this as the best. I do like it, but I think it is just a solid action blockbuster.

Rating: 7/10

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - My reaction to this one must have what everyone else's was in Ghost Portocol. This was a pure Mission Impossible movie. There is a lot to love about it, and the action scenes are unforgettable. Director Christopher McQuarrie and his team should be proud of what he's done, and I would not mind having him in the sixth feature.

We also see a terrific performance leading female Rebecca Ferguson that I think manages to steal the show.

Rating: 7/10

Mission: Impossible - Fallout - McQuarrie returns after his efforts in Rogue Nation and manages to keep this franchise refreshing with a number of new and incredible action set-pieces.

It sees Ethan Hunt and his IMF team return to prevent a nucleur attack on three major religious sites.

While the story can feel dragged out with some unecessary multiple twists, the strength of the action makes up for it. The fight scenes can easily compete with the best of the current crop and they always seem to up the ante with new concepts that our characters must face.

There's also a nice nod to the original Mission Impossible to look out for.

Rating: 8/10