"Is it ever a good one, honestly."
Two years after their leader, Solomon Lane (Harris), was captured, the Syndicate is back, now called the Apostles. The Apostles plan to obtain three plutonium cores off of the black market. The IMF sends Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team are sent to purchase the plutonium cores first, but when his team is threatened, the Apostles steal the cores. IMF Secretary Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) respects Hunts decision, but is forced to add CIA Agent August Walker (Cavill) to the mission.
Hunt and Walker travel to Paris to capture anarchist John Lark (Liang Yang). Lark is supposed to meet with arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis (Kirby), also known as "the White Widow," to purchase the plutonium. The plans puts them into conflict with Ilsa Faust (Ferguson) and brings back Lane. Can Hunt, Walker, Luther Strickell (Rhames), and Benji Dunn (Pegg) find the plutonium before the Apostles destroy more lives?
This is the 6th film in the Mission: Impossible film franchise (following: Mission: Impossible, Mission: Impossible II, Mission: Impossible III, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation). This was the first direct sequel in the franchise and the first to have a repeat director (Christopher McQuarrie).
The Good:
Once again the action is impressive and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Actor Tom Cruise is known for doing his own stunts and his dedication is on display in this film. Once again Ving Rhames appears as Luther and is the only actor, besides Cruise, to appear in every film in the franchise. Simon Pegg also returns and his character Benji continues to grown in his role as an IMF agent. Henry Cavill works well here, he can handle the action and humor of the series and is a good fit for the character. The casting is good and doesn't distract from the story or action.
The Bad:
Not much. Unlike the previous films, this one is tied to the previous entry: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, and features the return of the villain and the female lead. It works, but it does require you to see the previous film to understand what is happening... while the other films stood on their own. I don't consider this a negative, but it makes it slightly harder to dive into the series.
Other Thoughts:
-There are some subtle call-backs to previous films: like the character of Max from the original film and Hunt's wife from the third film.
-It is a fun, action-packed adventure with a strong cast and entertaining villains. It holds your attention from the beginning and doesn't disappoint. If you enjoy the Mission: Impossible franchise and action films, check this out.
-They wrap up the story well, but also leave it open for potential films in the future.
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) 147 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for violence and intense sequences of action, and for brief strong language
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt
Henry Cavill as August Walker
Ving Rhames as Luther Strickell
Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn
Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust
Sean Harris as Solomon Lane
Angela Bassett as Erika Sloane
Vanessa Kirby as Alanna Mitsopolis
Michelle Monaghan as Julia Meade