Mission: Impossible - Fallout

The day before, I saw an overstuffed digital coloring book, the new Avengers, and those endless fights didn't breathe any life, the only thing that sweated during them were the computer processors as they rendered the CGI. In Cruise's film, on the other hand, the contact fights oozed animalism, they were raw and you could feel every punch, it was such a relief to see that old-school action flicks are still being made. The charismatic Cavill is a stud, I can imagine him as the new James Bond, even with that fabulous mustache. And Cruise? I don't know how he does it, if eating umbilical cords to prolong his youth, or if he made a deal with the devil, Hubbard, or Ashtar Sheran, whatever, but to look like that at 56 and still perform those stunts, hats off. I'm 11 years younger and when I take my groceries to the 6th floor, by the third floor I'm already putting on an oxygen mask because I feel like I'm going to die :o) (06/08/2018)

I totally appreciate the craftsmanship, the totally awesome Tom Cruise, the great action scenes and pacing. I'd be bullshitting if I said I was bored, but at the same time I felt all along that most of those things were done a little better by the previous film. Whether it was the chases, the work with the bad guy (it's all too transparent here) or the sort of embellishment that makes a great scene stand out (I missed the opera this time). It's great, but not as great as last time, and I really can't imagine that if I had to choose which of the last two M:I episodes to watch now, I'd reach for the sixth one. Not to sound overly disappointed, but it's like choosing between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. I'd give Ledger the edge, but if I can't find him, Hardy certainly won't offend me. It's just... it was just a little more interesting last time. In every way. (02/08/2018)

A repeat of the essence of ostentatious espionage, which is once again strongest when it goes against the usual rules and boldly builds the whole story on humanity, the strength of characters, on the healing scars of seemingly indestructible experiences. Although there is naturally no shock of a never-before-seen approach, Christopher McQuarrie too cautiously walks his own beaten path and turns Fallout into more of an M:I 5.5, but the combination of additional internal tension among multiple organizations and a grand Bond-like finale fit so perfectly together that when all is said and done nothing bothers me about this approach. (13/08/2018)

The last real movie star built a monument of adoration to himself, before which nothing can be done except to tip one’s hat. In the years when Hollywood forgot how to make blockbusters and how to shoot action movies, it was Tom Cruise who brought real amazement back to the big screen. Now that others are beginning to understand that no CGI colouring book or frantic shaky cam can replace the breathtaking dimension of physical attraction, Cruise keeps raising the bar that he set himself in the area of what someone is capable of actually doing in front of the camera for the audience’s amusement. (15/01/2019)

After the fourth episode, Mission Impossible has become one of the best action franchises of our time (Bond and Bourne are not even close), and with the sixth episode the series literally reaches its peak. Tom Cruise, at 56, performs an incredible physical feat, with his iconic running and stunt escapades that cause stuntmen to lose their jobs, literally sweating blood and risking his life for his franchise! Hats off and much admiration. Story-wise it's classically convoluted and nicely twisted, and I liked that, although this time there was no twist that killed me like last time, but still a high standard. As for the action, it's full throttle almost the whole film. The fight in the restroom right at the beginning probably won't be beaten this year, and the adrenaline-packed chase with motorbikes, and the finale itself, which absurd, with the best helicopter chase I've ever seen. Alongside Ethan Hunt, Rebecca Ferguson is wonderful here again, and she definitely deserves more action roles, and then there’s the new surprise of Henry Cavill, who, when he's not comic-book movies, is actually an excellent actor who can handle multiple stances at once and can make a real nuisance of himself in fights. Praise must also go to Rob Hardy for his excellent cinematography, which adds to the authentically intense experience. A proper ride. 95% (03/08/2018)