If you have ever talked to me about action movies, you'll know
I've been rather critical of American Action movies in recent years. While
there have been some excellent American action movies such as "John
Wick," "Edge of Tomorrow," and "Captain America: The Winter
Soldier," international action movies such as "Mad Max: Fury
Road," "Skyfall," and "The Raid" franchise have vastly
overshadowed any action movies to come out of the United States. But of
all the American action movies to come out so far this decade, the best
and most impressive has to be "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol."
Not only did it revitalize a series that many had given up on, it also breathed
life back into Tom Cruise's career. "Ghost Protocol" was one of those
movies that was much better than everyone thought it would be. Smart writing,
solid performances, great special effects, and some of the most impressive
action sequences we've seen in a movie in recent years; it was easily one of
the stand out movies of 2011. Now after nearly four years fans finally get the
sequel they've been asking for.
Over the years, a covert spy agency known as the IMF has worked
for the US government to keep the world safe; and the star of that agency would
be Ethan Hunt, who has saved the world time and time again. But something has
been under Ethan's skin, something he couldn't quite understand. Over the past
several months Ethan has been investigating a series of attacks and incidents
all over the world, believing them to be linked and perpetrated by a secret
terrorist organization known as the Syndicate. While in London Ethan is
captured by some Syndicate members, and only narrowly escapes with his life
with the help from a woman he has never met before. When Ethan calls for backup
he is met with disheartening news, the IMF has been shut down by the government
in a case against them helmed by the head on the CIA. With no money, gear, or
backup, Ethan has to set out to discover who is behind the Syndicate and how to
stop them; all while being wanted by the US government.
Going into 2015, this was one of the movies I was most excited
for; I am such a big fan of the previous film "Ghost Protocol," there
wasn't a doubt in my mind that this movie would continue the franchise’s legacy
of kick-ass action movies. And from start to finish that was exactly what
"Rogue Nation" was. In a year where we've already had some great
action movies like "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Kingsman: The Secret
Service," and "Avengers: Age of Ultron," this movie manages to
stand out. "Rogue Nation" has some of the best action sequences and most impressive stunts I have ever seen in a movie. And I have to say, hats off to
Tom Cruz for still doing his own stunts at the age of 53. Seriously, this guy
is a freak of nature; he's doing things actors half his age wish they could do.
And as always, his acting is one point. He may be a bit of a nut, but he is a
good actor and one of the definitive Hollywood action stars. He's not alone in
his talents though, the entire cast of this movie does a great job. The movie
also features several great new characters to the series. Alec Baldwin and
Rebecca Ferguson do an excellent job in their roles, and their new characters
bring a lot to the movie. One of the biggest problems with the previous movie
was the villain; he was rather unimpressive and completely forgettable.
"Rogue Nation" on the other had has a much more compelling and
menacing villain. The interactions between the characters are also great, with
every character having some smart and clever dialog. The movie also does a
great job with its attempt with humor, which is always on point. What really
helps make these characters interesting has to be the well written screenplay. The
plot is compelling and always entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat for
the entire movie. As far as an action-spy thriller goes, this movie is about as
good as they get; that being it said, it’s not perfect. I felt that the movie
was about twenty minutes too long, by the end of the movie you're really
feeling the over two hour run time. But the biggest problem that the movie
faces is that it has a lot to live up to. This series is so iconic and loved by
so many, as good as "Rogue Nation" was it didn't bring anything new
to the franchise. "Ghost Protocol" felt fresh, it revitalized a
series that had lost a lot of steam. It was shiny and new, and set the standard
for the modern American action movie. "Rogue Nation" doesn't feel as
distinct as its predecessor. So while I don't believe "Rogue Nation"
is quite as good "Ghost Protocol," it is still phenomenal. It is an
action thrill ride like we rarely see. All credit for how good this movie is
has to go to director Christopher McQuarrie, he had some big shoes to fill
following the previous director Brad Bird; and he managed to do it, making one
of the year’s best. If you're looking to go to the movie theater anytime soon,
this is a film that is worth your time and money.
Pros: Amazing
action sequences, impressive stunts, excellent acting from the whole cast,
great new characters, comedy always on point, great direction from Christopher
McQuarrie, well written screenplay, always entertaining, always on the edge of
your seat, good dialog between characters, improved villain from predecessor.
Cons: 20
minutes too long, doesn't bring anything new to the series.
4.5/5 Stars
