No modern movie franchise matches the consistency and entertainment value of Mission: Impossible, with each installment delivering engaging content. This remarkable achievement underscores the durability of a franchise that has captivated audiences for decades. Unlike other iconic cinematic legacies, such as the Star Wars saga, which has endured critical missteps like The Rise of Skywalker and The Clone Wars, or the James Bond series, which has seen its fair share of underwhelming entries like A View To A Kill, Diamonds Are Forever, Die Another Day, and Quantum of Solace, Mission: Impossible stands out as a franchise that maintains quality. Among all the acclaimed performances Tom Cruise has delivered, it’s likely that his role as Ethan Hunt will be his most memorable. Ultimately, Ethan Hunt ranks as one of cinema’s greatest heroes, alongside legendary figures like Indiana Jones, John McClane, Rocky Balboa, and Ellen Ripley.
While the Mission: Impossible franchise has its ups and downs, with some films not achieving perfection, it remains a captivating saga. For instance, Mission: Impossible II is often regarded as the weakest entry, despite the entertaining direction of John Woo. This film fails to capture the essence of what makes Ethan Hunt a compelling character. Similarly, while Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning features breathtaking action sequences, it does not fully develop its characters. Although the future of the series is uncertain, particularly concerning Cruise‘s willingness to perform daring stunts as he ages into his mid-60s, the franchise’s rich history is always deserving of celebration. Indeed, Mission: Impossible is a fantastic series, and several of its films are authentic action masterpieces.
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‘Mission: Impossible’ (1996)
Directed by Brian De Palma
Mission: Impossible emerged as an unexpected blockbuster phenomenon, marking a pivotal moment for Tom Cruise in his career when he was not yet viewed as an action star. Previously known for his dramatic performances in Oscar-nominated films such as A Few Good Men, The Color of Money, and The Firm, Mission: Impossible showcased his ability to anchor a major franchise with charisma and depth. While his role as Pete Mitchell in Top Gun showcased his boyish charm, Cruise infused Ethan Hunt with empathy and complexity as he sought to exonerate himself after the tragic loss of his team. The guilt stemming from this incident became a crucial driving force for his character development across subsequent films. Interestingly, Jon Voight, who has taken on a villainous persona in real life, perfectly embodied the role of the antagonist in this inaugural film.
The genius of Mission: Impossible lies largely in the direction of Brian De Palma, who expertly crafted a sense of tension reminiscent of classic works by Alfred Hitchcock. Even though Mission: Impossible lacks the grand scale of later installments, its gripping heist sequences and intricate plots ensure it remains captivating. Released alongside Jerry Maguire, Mission: Impossible solidified Cruise’s status as the world’s most prominent movie star—a title he still holds three decades later.
Mission: Impossible
- Release Date
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May 22, 1996
- Runtime
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110 minutes
- Director
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Brian De Palma
- Writers
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David Koepp, Robert Towne
- Producers
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Paula Wagner
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‘Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol’ (2011)
Directed by Brad Bird
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol represents a significant turning point for the franchise as it was the first to truly prioritize team dynamics. While Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames had consistently appeared throughout the series, it was Brad Bird who took the initiative to develop supporting characters worthy of their screen time. Although Simon Pegg made a brief appearance in Mission: Impossible III as analyst Benji Dunn, this film allowed him to step into a full-fledged role as a field agent and one of Ethan’s most trusted partners. Additionally, Jeremy Renner portrayed William Brandt, an IMF operative who uncovers a troubling chapter of Ethan’s past related to his ex-wife, Julie (Michelle Monaghan). Although Paula Patton only appeared once as Agent Jane Carter, she made a significant impact, proving her worthiness as a vital member of the ensemble.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol features some of the most breathtaking action sequences in the franchise, highlighted by Cruise’s astonishing ascent of the world’s tallest building. While Bird incorporated humor into the narrative, the film also included darker moments that revealed the series’ capacity for intense drama. It’s crucial to note that Bird, known for his animated classics like The Iron Giant and The Incredibles, wasn’t afraid to inject fun into the film, as exemplified by a scene featuring Dean Martin‘s “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” during Ethan’s prison escape, which perfectly set the film’s playful tone. Additionally, the technology malfunctions the IMF team faced provided a humorous yet satirical nod to the original series.
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‘Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation’ (2015)
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation marks the first collaboration between Christopher McQuarrie as both writer and director within the Mission: Impossible franchise, following his prior involvement in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol where he contributed rewrites to the third act. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation allowed McQuarrie to showcase his talent for crafting a classic spy narrative, filled with intricate conspiracies and compelling intrigue that stands out in the series. Historically, the Mission: Impossible franchise has faced challenges in creating memorable villains comparable to those in the James Bond films, but Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation broke this mold with the exceptional portrayal of Sean Harris as the calculating mastermind Solomon Lane. Lane, with his precision, motivation, and dangerous demeanor, serves as a formidable adversary to Ethan Hunt.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation also introduced the most remarkable supporting character in the series, featuring Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust. Unlike previous romantic interests in the franchise, Ilsa stands as an equal to Ethan, similarly striving to redeem herself from her troubled past. Every moment Ilsa graces the screen is electrifying, and her character’s development lays the groundwork for her pivotal role in the franchise’s future. The psychological tension and mind games elevate Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation above its predecessors, while the action sequences, including the jaw-dropping stunt of Cruise hanging off the side of a plane and exhilarating motorcycle chases, set a new benchmark for adrenaline-pumping cinema.
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‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
Mission: Impossible – Fallout is widely considered one of the greatest action films of the 21st century, often held in high regard alongside masterpieces like Casino Royale, Mad Max: Fury Road, John Wick, and <em>Miami Vice</em>. This installment delves deeply into Ethan Hunt’s character, as Christopher McQuarrie explores the psychological burden he carries following the traumatic events of the first film. Determined to protect his team at all costs, Ethan faces emotionally charged dilemmas that add depth to his character, allowing Mission: Impossible – Fallout to resonate on a more profound level than many modern blockbusters. The film also boasts stunning visuals, as McQuarrie’s direction creates a vibrant and immersive cinematic experience.
The action sequences in Mission: Impossible – Fallout are simply unparalleled, justifying its substantial budget with breathtaking stunts and sequences. The film opens with a heart-pounding HALO jump, a stunt that typically would serve as a film’s climax, indicating the relentless intensity that follows. The impressive stuntwork blends extended chase scenes with brutal hand-to-hand combat, pushing the boundaries of what a PG-13 film can depict. Moreover, Mission: Impossible – Fallout effectively reuses Solomon Lane as a formidable antagonist and features Henry Cavill in a standout role, showcasing his talent in portraying the intimidating radical extremist John Lark. Although subsequent films like Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning have produced memorable moments, this franchise reached its zenith with the remarkable Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
