Mission: Impossible - Fallout --> Mission Very Difficult but Still Not Impossible

Fans of the now over 20-year-old series will be pleasantly surprised that the sixth installment of Mission: Impossible is more of the same, which we all have to expect at this point. No one should be anticipating anything more than a twisting secret-agent story with glorious action sequences, and Fallout frequently delivers these in spades. Tom Cruise and Co. are still kicking it into the highest gear possible, stepping it up just enough each time to not lose the audience, who already know the story is far beyond possible. And yet, succeeding in saving the world for the sixth time in a row still manages to excite us after all these years.

Everything about the film feels natural despite its usual convolution. I would guess this is because literally almost everyone from the previous film, Rogue Nation (2015) is returning to their same roles. The cast of actors brings back many familiar faces with a couple of fresh ones (ahem, Henry Cavill), and for the first time ever a director has returned to helm another Impossible film. Many thought Rogue Nation was the best so far of the series, and director/writer Christopher McQuarrie returns with a better or at least equal effort with this one. His direction style is a pleasant mixture of fresh excitement and homage, and he clearly understands the inner-workings of all his characters; this is of course aided by the most believable yet simple portrayals and performances of each character, each larger than life but earthbound enough to root the multi-layered story.

Complete with an interesting but not too complex story and beautiful stark cinematography, the movie holds its audience, but only if they are already committed to the IMF universe. A great self-awareness in the script and plot keeps the film from taking itself too seriously, but if you go in looking for problems, you will come out with more than you can count. As said before, this film is definitely for the fans, who have kept the 2010s entries alive with rampant support and praise. Tom Cruise may be getting a little too old to realistically be filming these kinds of films, but the audience's excitement and admiration have never been higher. This kind of joy and demand is what keeps the theaters full and continues the series we all know and love.

My ranking for this solid film: 3/4
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