Mission: Impossible 1996

Holds up surprisingly well for a 25+ year old film. The key is that the most iconic set pieces/sequences didn't require overly ambitious special effects that would date the film as it aged. This is before Tom Cruise's propensity for stunt work drove the series toward big spectacle action. This first outing was a spy film, first and foremost. I mean, the hook of the Langley heist is literally just Tom Cruise hanging from a rope and yet it is just as tense and effective today as it was back in 1996. Of course, the finale does ramp things up and the helicopter sequence certainly shows its age, but even that holds up more than expected. It's a simple thing and probably is completely unrealistic, but the way the speed of the train is shown with Tom Cruise struggling to hold on, flipping and sliding across the top of the train was appreciated and still looks solid. Ironically, I actually wish Dead Reckoning had taken some notes in that respect, as its train-top fight scene felt weightless and glossy in comparison. Beyond the spectacle, the story here is strong, with a brilliant opening that sets the stage for a host of twists and turns. I don't want to continuously bag on Dead Reckoning (I actually did enjoy it), but the dialogue and plotting feel so much more natural here. All in all, Tom Cruise's first stint as Ethan Hunt is a worthy starting place for a franchise that has built itself into an action juggernaut.

Kinda drops the ball with the writing, the story is needlessly convoluted and it has a hard time creating memorable characters. Yet despite all of that, this is still a very efficient paranoia thriller that feels inspired by a lot of movies from the 70s. De Palma is a steady hand behind the camera, creating the right tone and atmosphere that’s needed for this film (I really like how the stuff in Prague is directed in particular). It’s not his most stylish film by any means, but I like that he got so much of his own voice into a film like this. The Langley heist is clearly the highlight of the film, there’s so much tension in that scene despite taking such a minimal approach conceptually, visually and sonically. It’s been parodied to death, but it still remains an incredible scene to this day. They really should’ve thought of something else for the climax though. Not only does it get visually tacky, it’s way too over the top when taking the rest of the film into account. All in all, it’s a decent start for the franchise where all of the seeds for the superior sequels were planted.

6/10

(635-word review) My first thought regarding this film boils down to competent film-making. It seemed well put together, from Brian De Palma's direction (the atmosphere and suspense were prominent) to the cinematography, especially the camera work and particular shots by Stephen H. Burum: the angles, POV perspectives, overhead shots, Dutch angles, and the close-up shots where some part of the background's also in focus.

That's not usual for spy thrillers or similar films. Or so I imagine. This one could've set the example through innovation/pioneering a new "blueprint." However, most subsequent films that are similar enough seem unsuccessful at following suit. This one possessed luck: a fair assumption.

Its story was sufficient. I don't want to say it was weak, although it wasn't necessarily up to par with the other aspects of the film. The main reason for that was its predictability; is it even possible to get more predictable? The individual who framed Ethan Hunt from the moment that plot point began was evident. Whether you believe(d) it or not, the red herring character could've fooled some people, especially when the film was released; however, now, I'm aware/was aware that person returns in the seventh installment of the franchise.

On the plus side, there was more to it, particularly the scene of the (crime) frame. That didn't "make up" for the predictability, but it was a layer that I appreciated.

The biggest draw here is Tom Cruise, without a doubt. That smile. That damned smile. And the way he eases into it is sublime. How does he do it!? We, the human species, need a scientific explanation for this. His charisma is palpable. It flows through his blood and drips out of his pores. Irresistibly. He IS charisma itself. Anyone who denies that is lying to themselves. The scene with Ethan and Max meeting for the first time was great: the individual performances, specifically the overflowing chemistry.

I also want to say that Vanessa Kirby's performance in Mission: Impossible – Fallout seems quite similar in cadence and demeanor to Vanessa Redgrave. That may not have been intentional on her part; maybe it's just a British thing, but I like the mirroring there.

And while I'm on the subject of performances, Henry Czerny deserves to be a participant in the conversation. I don't know the consensus concerning him, reception-wise; part of me thinks it's underrated. His line delivery is something else. It's partially comedic and villain-like, which is impressive. His character in ABC's TV series Revenge is the epitome of that, although my memory about that is fuzzy; I'll have to (re)watch (to an extent, as I only saw bits and pieces) that show in full.

As far as scenes are concerned, another one that stood out was the stealing scene. I already know (without knowing) that it must be one of the most iconic scenes in the entire franchise; iconic, at the very least. I kept thinking, "Alright, this is when it ends." But it kept going! Talk about walking a fine line. Ethan being lowered down, in particular, was well done with the deafening silence.

Danny Elfman's score was also quite good. It had a chaotic feeling to it, which seemed fitting and appropriate. And, of course, there was the iconic theme song, originating with the TV series; it's very memorable. Its "pop culture" status is akin to "Ezio's Family" by Jesper Kyd; that even became THE theme song for the Assassin's Creed franchise because it was so iconic.

All-in-all: entertaining stuff. While my rating is what it is, it's closest to the next one rather than in the middle or closer to the previous rating.

At the forefront is an energetic theme song (heightening the experience further), with a concoction of tension, suspense, and charm (Tom Cruise's forté), and the result is a success.

When I first saw this movie I did not like it at all. My main gripe with the movie was (and is) that it did not feel like a Mission Impossible movie.

Spoilers ahead! In the original series the team always succeeded, at least in the episodes I watched. However, the movie starts off with a big failure. Then to make matters worse we learn that Mr. Phelps, one of the original lead characters, is actually a traitor. I was so disappointed!

Now when I watched it for the second time with my son I actually liked it a lot more. I still think it is sad that the script writers felt they had to introduce all these chock elements but trying to look past those this is a pretty good movie. I still do not think it is truly a Mission Impossible movie in the good old style of the series though.

It is a very good action/thriller movie though. Tom Cruise is really not bad in the role of Ethan Hunt and so are the rest of the actors. He is performing quite a few spectacular stunts and there are a decent amount of high tech stuff in the movie. Sure, some of the stunts and action scenes are perhaps a bit convoluted but it provides for some good cinemagic and it is fiction after all.

If this movie would not have been labelled Mission Impossible I would probably have given it another star but I cannot bring myself to completely overlook how far from the original inspiration it has strayed.