Movie Review - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 169 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman, Angela Bassett, Hannah Waddingham
 
Description: Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the IMF pursue a dangerous AI called the Entity that’s infiltrated global intelligence. With governments and a figure from his past pursuit, Hunt races to stop it from forever changing the world.
 
Review: Ethan Hunt gets one more chance to complete his mission. After the evens in “Mission: Impossible – Death Reckoning Part One”, the existence of The Entity is no longer a secret. This self-aware and all-encompassing AI that can take over world leadership, is so dangerous it might end the world. Ethan Hunt has gone into hiding with the key to the digital brain, while the government would rather use this technology than destroy it. Shutting it down would mean the end of cyberspace, and the White House wants to prevent that. It’s up to Ethan to convince them to let him do his job.

The film opens with a video message from the president to Hunt, which also serves as a concise summary of the entire film series.

“Mission – Impossible – The Final Reckoning” consists of three parts. There is already a lot at stake, but in the first act the stakes are raised so that Hunt cannot possibly refuse the mission. Then he has to persuade others to give him permission. With or without approval, in the second part he carries out his plan. And action-packed and excessive spectacle that is entertaining as hell.

The climax follows in the last part, with the grand stunt Tom Cruise pulls off. Which has become a tradition by now. That final half hour, is an absolute nail-biter. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

This final film in the “Mission: Impossible” series really did it. It’s a satisfying and strong end to a long-running franchise.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Mission: Impossible 2

Director: John Woo
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 123 minutes
Year: 2000
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Thandie Newton, Dougray Scott, Richard Roxburgh, Brendan Gleeson, Billy Baird

Description: IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is sent to Sydney to find and destroy a genetically modified disease called “Chimera”.

Review: Ethan Hunt returns, and is now called to Sydney to find and destroy a dangerous disease called Chimera.

Before starting my rewatch of all the movies in the “Mission: Impossble” franchise, I did remember that the second installment wasn’t the best. But now that I’ve seen it again after so many years, I realize it’s actually pretty bad. It’s just shamelessly action-packed, yet still taking itself seriously, when it’s actually a bit ridiculous. And I now most of the films in this franchise are filled with action and are pure popcorn films, but they do have substance. “Mission: Impossible 2” feels so different from the rest for some reason.

The story isn’t well written. The acting is pretty bad, I hated the villain. Dougray Scott is not convincing as a bad guy and I never took him seriously. Thandie Newton who plays Nya Hall, the love interest/ ally of Ethan Hunt, although doing her best, is overly sexualized and I think she could have been more this movie then just the pretty woman functioning as the decoy.

I did like the soundtrack, that was definitely in my wheel house. With lots of ripping guitars.
Long story short, this is the odd one out in the “Mission: Impossible” series. And I did not like it.

Rating: 2/ 5

90s Movie Review - Mission: Impossible

Director: Brian De Palma
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Redgrave, Kristen Scott Thomas, Henry Czerny

Description: An American agent (Tom Cruise), under false suspicion of disloyalty, must discover and expose the real spy without the help of his organization.

Review: This first film about an international team of spies led by Ethan Hunt is an instant hit for fans of high-tech action spectacle and inimitable plot twists. I decided to rewatch all the films in the franchise, before watching the newest in the series.

The ladies and gentlemen of the Mission: Impossible team must prevent the theft of a file containing the names of secret agents. But things go wrong, and the team will have to flee and fight, unravel and expose.

This is were it all started, did Tom Cruise realize that the movies would eventually get better and better (with exceptions)? Because this is probably one of the most successful action movie franchises. It’s been a while since I last saw the first in the series, but I remember really liking it. And it holds up.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - The People Under the Stairs

Director: Wes Craven
Genre: Horror/ Comedy
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 1991
Starring: Brandon Adams, Everett McGill, Ving Rhames, Wendy Robie, A.J. Langer, Sean Whalen, Bill Cobbs, Kelly Jo Minter, Jeremy Roberts

Description: When Fool (Brandon Adams) breaks into the home of his family’s landlords, he discovers they have mutilated several boys and kept them imprisoned under the stairs. As Fool attempts to flee, he meets their daughter Alice (A.J. Langer). Can Fool and Alice escape?

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 1: A FILM FROM 1991
 
Review: 13-year old Fool is persuaded by his sister’s boyfriend to break into the landlord’s house, that has been taking advantage of the entire neighborhood. However, the house turns out to be a prison from which escape is almost impossible. Inside, Fool gets to know his fellow inmates.

“The People Under the Stairs” is a film directed by Wes Craven, horror with elements of dark comedy. Inspired about a news report about a couple who kept their children locked in the house for years, Craven made an amusing and critical fable about the America of Reagan and Bush.

It’s not one of Craven’s best films, but certainly one that will entertain you. It’s funny and ridiculous, though also creepy. But the film is self-aware. I don’t think many people know this Craven flick.

Rating: 3 / 5

Movie Review - The Wild Robot

Director: Chris Sanders
Genre: Animation/ Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Family
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Lupita Nyongo’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Matt Berry, Mark Hamill, Ving Rhames, Catherine O’Hara
 
Description: After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz (Lupita Nyongo’o) is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 52: A FILM THAT’S A 2024 FAVORITE FOR MANY PEOPLE
 
Review: At the center of “The Wild Robot” there is Roz, a robot that seems far too complicated to serve as a household helper. But would probably be given that function in most cases. Were it not for the fact that this particular one is stranded on a desert island. As far as people go, that is. This island is inhabited by animals and most of them see her as an enemy. Until she finds a goose egg.

When the egg hatches, the little goose latches on to Roz. She needs to teach him how to swim and fly and eventually get ready for migration. Roz makes it her task, with the help of Fink, an seemingly unreliable fox that feels just as an outsider as Roz does.  

Robots are supposed to be emotionless, trying to solve problems with logic, using algorithm. But when Roz’ algorithmic thought processes fail, she must learn to rely on her intuition and feelings. On the contrary, the animals of the island do nothing but act from gut instinct. They must learn to turn off their instincts in order to survive together. And it turns out that programming and instinct are not so different after all.

The sympathy you feel for Roz, from the start, is partly due to Lupita Nyongo’o’s excellent vocal performance. With only her voice, she manages to convey so much feeling and nuance. As Roz develops, we see her create her own consciousness. Her character growth is accompanied by universal themes of parenthood, friendship, belonging and (self-) acceptance, with the story emphasizing that the relationships we form are enough to lead fulfilling lives.

The breathtaking animation, vulnerable emotions and moving story are perfectly brought together. This results in countless enchanting scenes that really make something happen to you. I felt every emotion while watching “The Wild Robot”. Director Chris Sanders has outdone himself once again with this wonderful Dreamworks animation and it is indeed my favorite film of 2024.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Thriller
Runtime: 163 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Esai Morales, Cary Elwes.
 
Description: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.

Review: Master spy Ethan Hunt is back in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”, already part seven within the franchise. And aside from the second film in this series, which is the odd one out, the Mission: Impossible franchise is very solid and I liked or loved every single one of these films. You can say it’s a fairly consistent series. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” has so far been my favorite, and after seeing this seventh installment it still is. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” does not reach the same level, but nevertheless remains a strong sequel, that will most definitely end up on my favorites list at the end of the year.

Tom Cruise wouldn’t be Tom Cruise if he didn’t, yet again, do some crazy stunts. Jumping off a cliff on a motorcycle is a cake walk for Cruise, but him risking his life like that gives the audience an authentic movie experience. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” contains plenty of practically shot action. And the action is what these movies excel at. That aforementioned stunt is a one to look forward too, but an exciting car chase through the streets of Rome and a derailed train scene are gems as well. That last one was my favorite part.

The seventh film collects successful plot points and elements from previous volumes and merges them together. Every time I watch one of these movies, I feel like I want to be a spy too. Ethan Hunt has such a solid team behind him. But this time they have a smaller role than usual. Which was my only critique. We did get a new great addition though, in the form of Hayley Atwell. She is amazing in this film and I hope (and predict) she will be in the next film as well.

They cleverly added “Part One” to the film title, so people know this film might end on a cliffhanger and with several loose ends. I can’t wait for this story to continue, because all Mission: Impossible film deliver and excel in their action sequences and stunt work.

Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - Pulp Fiction

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 154 minutes
Year: 1994
Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, Bruce Willis, Amanda Plummer, Rosanna Arquette, Ving Rhames, Eric Stoltz

Description: The lives of two mob hitman (Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta), a boxer (Bruce Willis), a gangster (Ving Rhames) and his wife (Uma Thurman), and a pair of diner bandits (Amanda Plummer, Tim Roth) intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.

Review: It is difficult to summarize Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” I a few words. The story consist of several synchronous narratives that intersect and influence each other in bizarre ways. Looking at each of the storylines, it is safe to say that each of them is not exceptional. But the genius of this film lies not so much in the storylines, the strength lies in the dialogues that the characters have among themselves giving these characters a wonderful depth. Because of this, “Pulp Fiction” is an exceptional film that continues to captivate time and time again. Most say it’s Tarantino’s best film to date.
I think it is safe to sage that “Pulp Fiction” is in fact one of the best films of the 1990s. It was director Tarantino’s second film, after the phenomenal directorial debut “Reservoir Dogs” (which is my Tarantino favorite). With that he proves he wasn’t a one-hit wonder. The film is packed with pop-culture references, great acting and dialogues. It’s a movie like a lot of good music, the more times you undergo is, the better it gets.
Now, the dialogues are one of Tarantino’s characteristics. They are often about daily things, things that have nothing to do with the scene. But they always amaze you.
“Pulp Fiction” got an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, which was well-deserved. It is one of the best film ever made, not just by Tarantino, in general.

Rating: 5 / 5

00s Movie Review - Dawn of the Dead

Director: Zack Snyder
Genre: Action/ Drama/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer, Jake Weber, Ty Burrell, Michael Kelly, Kevin Zegers, Michael Barry, Lindy Booth, Jayne Eastwood, Boyd Banks, Inna Korobkina, R.D. Reid, Kim Poirier, Matt Frewer, Tom Savini, Ken Foree

Description: A group of survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall.

Review: In 1978, George A. Romero created a classic in the horror genre with “Dawn of the Dead”. While American society is collapsing due to the large-scale appearance and multiplication of zombies, four people get stuck in a large shopping mall, surrounded by a large number of living dead. For a while they manage to survive there by using the facilities there, while the building is surrounded by an increasing number of zombies. “Dawn of the Dead” distinguished itself from the bulk of the horror genre by its unique blend of suspense, action, humor, horror, satire and humanity. In that sense, the film remains unsurpassed to this day, and absolutely does not need a remake. The remake, then, is not really a remake, but rather a revision of the original that goes its own way. The question then, of course, is: does it remain a good film?
The film begins with a mini-portrait of the life of nurse Ana, which can be called somewhat monotone and routine. Soon, however, her quiet little life is disrupted by the fact that Ana’s blood-stained neighbor girl sinks her teeth into Ana’s husband, causing him to turn into a zombie as well and then attack Ana. She just barely manages to escape. When she’s outside, she sees that the entire city is in chaos. Buildings are on fire, people are fleeing or being eaten by zombies. The entire country and possible the entire world is in turmoil and dead creatures are roaming everywhere.
The opening titles underscore the chaos in which humans find themselves. Ana meets other survivors and together they decided to hide in a huge shopping mall, trying to survive there.
The zombies in “Dawn of the Dead” are fast and strong and have developed a slight hunting instinct. Partly because of this, the pace of the film is fast too. Other features include the obligatory, clichéd scare moments, which fortunately do no dominate the film and are limited to a modest number. Debuting director Zack Snyder does a great job with the suspense and scare and even added footage during the credits, which give a different spin to the story.
“Dawn of the Dead” manages to keep the tension, which is not hindered by the humor and action that also appears in the film. What is most preserved from the original film, is the humanity. While the zombies surround the mall, all sorts of things are happening inside the mall that barely have anything to do with the threat outside: power games, betrayal, selfishness, cynicism, bravery, compassion, love, you name it. The credibility of the characters allows the viewers to identify with them and experience their fears.
Fear and suspense is therefore what “Dawn of the Dead” delivers, the film is very effective and in that sense a successful horror film. It’s actually one of the best horror film of its decade.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 147 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, Alec Baldwin, Michelle Monaghan, Wes Bentley

Description: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong.

Review: Seldom do movies in a series get better by each release. But for the Mission: Impossible franchise that is definitely the case. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is the sixth film in the franchise and the best so far!
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” was directed by Christopher McQuarrie and he also directed the sixth installment. The stunts and action sequences are bigger, more dangerous and more spectacular. And in this case, bigger is better. Tom Cruise still does all of his own stunts and that fascinates me. It helps the authenticity of the action sequences and makes it look amazing.
And the fight scenes are also fantastic. Perfectly choreographed. The same goes for the chase scenes. It doesn’t matter if it’s with cars, motorcycles or helicopters, they are all memorable. And then that bombastic music in the background.
But “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is more than just an action packed spectacle. The story is strong and so are the characters. Twists, turns and surprises, all present like any spy themed film should have.
If you are a fan of the franchise, you shouldn’t miss this one. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is the best film in the series.

Rating: 5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 103: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

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Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Thriller

Runtime: 131 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames, Alec Baldwin, Sean Harris, Simon McBurney, Tom Hollander

Description: Ethan (Tom Cruise) and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.

Review: How many actors over 50 do their own stunts? And how many of them will climb tall buildings and hang on an airplane during takeoff? Well, nobody but Tom Cruise. That alone is reason enough for us to see “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”, already the fifth installment in the franchise.

In this film Ethan Hunt is trying to track down the Syndicate, an international terrorist organization lead by former spies. The movie starts with spectacle, where Ethan Hunt is hanging from an airplane that’s taking off. We all know that he actually did that, which makes this scene even more awesome! This is only a warm up, because the film is filled with many more spectacular stunts, scenes and actions. The fact that the stunts have been actually performed, instead of created by computers, gives this movie extra tension and excitement. All the action is fast, intense yet not chaotic.

Tom Cruise is, like in the other films, the star. He is amazing as Ethan Hunt. Simon Pegg again has a bigger role and I love him as Benji Dunn. He takes care of the humor in the movie. And in combination with Cruise he is also good. Ving Rhames is also back and Jeremy Renner is solid as well. Newcomer to the franchise, Rebecca Ferguson, was very good. She was like a female Ethan Hunt, she totally kicked ass.

It seems like the “Mission: Impossble” films keep on getting better and better. I was expecting a lot and “Mission: Impossible – Rogie Nation’ met my expectations.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 7: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Director: Brad Bird

Genre: Action

Runtime: 133 minutes

Year: 2011

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Josh Holloway, Léa Seydoux, Michael Nyqvist, Tom Wilkinson, Ving Rhames, Michelle Monaghan

Description: The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name.

Review: A lot has changed. In the nineties Tom Cruise was a big star, but that star was not that bright anymore. Not a lot of great movies came on his path, but “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” should change all that. And it did.

The movies in the “Mission: Impossible” series were always successful and a hit at the box office. Brad Bird, known from his work at Pixar, decided to direct the fourth installment and with that “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” is his first non-animation.

Like the previous movies, it’s filled with exotic places, flashy gadgets and action. Simon Pegg Is given a bigger role, as the comic relief, which is very pleasant. Jeremy Renner is introduced in the series and also a great addition to the franchise. Michael Nyqvist is the villain, which he does well. But not as well as Philip Seymour Hoffman did in “M:I-3”. Paula Patton does a good job as agent Jane Carter. Off course I don’t have to tell you that Tom Cruise did good work as Ethan Hunt, because of him I’m more of a Hunt then a Bond fan. Cruise hasn’t lost it and this is the kind of movie and role you want to see him in.

The action is the highlight of the movie. Sometimes over the top, but such a pleasure to watch. The scene with Hunt climbing the tallest building of the worlds, was my favorite.

“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” is a fantastic, thrilling action flick, even better than number three in the series.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 4: Mission: Impossible 3

Director: J.J. Abrams

Genre: Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 125 minutes

Year: 2006

Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Keri Russell, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Crudup, Simon Pegg, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Maggie Q, Eddie Marsan

Description: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) comes face to face with a dangerous and sadistic arms dealer while trying to keep his identity secret in order to protect his girlfriend (Michelle Monaghan).

Review: Ethan Hunt is sent on another mission. The task sounds simple: save one of their own after being held captive. But it’s a lot more complicated and it leads Hunt and his team to Germany, the Vatican, Virginia and Shanghai.

The raw but perfectly calculated action is probably the best thing about “Mission: Impossible 3”. The intrigues and the bond between Hunt and his team members Luther, Declan and Zhen are also very strong. I love the way how the team manages to outsmart everyone, by dodging cameras, blowing up Ferraris and disguising as their enemy. Hunt’s personal life is a little less interesting though.

Like the first two films, the cast is strong. Off course Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames do great. But Philip Seymour is very convincing as the bad guy. And Simon Pegg, who always manages to add cynicism and dry humor to his scenes.

“Mission: Impossible 3” is a great action thriller, a wonderful addition to the series.

Rating: 4/ 5