Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

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While I may consider 'Ghost Protocol my favourite of the 'Mission: Impossible' series, it was 'Rogue Nation that arguably gave the series its permanent footing under writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, who would be the series' mainstay writer/director from here on in. He is also credited for scripting the latest 'Mummy' movie, also starring Tom Cruise, but don't let that deter you because the rest of the 'Mission: Impossible' movies are pretty sweet, along with 'Top Gun: Maverick.'

Cruise and McQuarrie found an enduring friendship, which has worked out for the most part. Both of them share a passion for their craft and a desire to deliver a high-quality product. As a result, we get some of the most incredible practical effects and stunt work, which are cranked to eleven here. Case in point: the opening sequence of Ethan Hunt (Cruise) attempting to intercept a cargo plane by hanging onto the door as the plane lifts off. Yes, he was harnessed in for safety, but he still managed to do it. I remember this stunt fondly as the one that led people to say, "This guy is out of his mind!"

Anyway, on board the plane is a shipment of nerve gas, which the Syndicate is moving, a secret organization of rogue field operatives he's been keeping an eye on. After his mission, during a briefing, the Syndicate reveal themselves and gas Hunt, who later wakes up, prepped for torture in an attempt to spill some IMF secrets, but manages to escape with the help of British MI6 operative Isla Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). Eventually, Hunt makes contact with William Brandt (Jeremy Renner), now part of the IMF, but discovers some bad news regarding their organization.

In the aftermath of what happened in 'Ghost Protocol' involving Russia's Kremlin and perpetual finger-pointing at the IMF for being held responsible, CIA Director Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) has convinced a Senate committee to eliminate the IMF, and bring their best over to the CIA; two most notable for the audience being Brandt, reassigned to the CIA's intelligence division, and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), reassigned from technical field agent to behind a desk in the CIA's cyber operations division.

Similarly to 'Ghost Protocol,' it eventually works out to be Hunt and a handful of people he trusts, including Brandt, Benji and the much-welcome return of Luthor (Ving Rhames), working under the radar to put a stop to the Syndicate, whose sole desire is to dismantle the IMF so they can operate more freely as a band of rogue agents, and pose a massive potential threat to global security by starting a New World Order. A big, lingering question remains throughout the film, however: what side is this Isla Faust character on? The film does a good job of keeping you guessing.

While I may not put this chapter on the same level as 'Ghost Protocol,' that's just a "me" thing. This is every bit as good, and the rest of the series is very entertaining, with no real "bumps" that I might equate to 'M: I-2'. The story is similar but on a grander scale, and the stunt work is precise. Not only did Cruise hold on for dear life on the side of a plane, but the guy successfully held his breath for six minutes (after much training) for an underwater sequence. Six minutes is insane and admirable. I don't think I'd be able to make it to one minute.

Let's not overlook Cruise's skills with a motorcycle, either. Truly, it's the stunt work that makes this series shine, utilizing so little CG for their needs because the filmmakers and Tom Cruise himself are out to make this look like real action—not just something thrown together with a computer. However, the series can also be praised for its overarching story and character development, executing it in such a way that the audience doesn't get confused but also isn't insulted by things looking too simplistic (again, maybe except 'M: I-2'). By the end of 'Rogue Nation,' fans are already ready to see what craziness the next chapter will have in store.

4/5

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