The film begins with Hunt (Cruise) having nightmares about the death of his ex-wife, Julia (Michelle Monaghan; Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) which (spoiler alert) is a precursor of things to come later. We then see Ethan and his team trying to buy three plutonium cores from the Apostles – an underground organization made up of Solomon Lane's (Sean Harris; Harry Brown) associates from The Syndicate. When they fail a furious CIA Director Erica Sloane (Angela Bassett; Olympus Has Fallen) brings in Special Agent August Walker (Henry Cavill; Man of Steel) to assist IMF team in retrieving the stolen goods.
However, the task is more difficult than it seems as Hunt is tasked by arms Dealer Alanna Mitsopolis/White Widow (Vanessa Kirby; The Crown) to free Lane in order to buy the plutonium. When Hunt does so he discovers there is a mole amongst his group so steals the plutonium to put the Apostles' plot in to play. The plot, which consists of exploding two of the cores around the water supply of Pakistan, India and China would effectively create a crisis prompting a new world order. Of course, while trying to stop them Hunt discovers Julia and her new husband are in the region, which is not a coincidence. Of course, Hunt and his team ultimately stop the Apostles in time but at what cost?
Cruise has spent two decades with this character and they seemed to have melded into one. He embodies the physicality and mentality to play Hunt even as he ages. Simon Pegg (Star Trek) and Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction) return as members of his team and Cavill meshes well with this group of actors. Rebecca Ferguson (The Greatest Showmen) brings the kick-butt, female vibe to the film while also adding some of the softness and Kirby is ruthless as the arms dealer.
The Mission: Impossible franchise has always been known for their action and stunt sequences and Fallout doesn't just continue this tradition but raises the bar to immense heights. The infamous Halo jump would be enough of a reason to watch this movie but the helicopter sequence is astounding as well. The fight scenes are well choreographed and don't overpower the storyline at all. After all the incredibly dangerous stunts from this movie, I can't imagine how they could ever possibly top them in the future.
The video quality on this 4K release is spectacular. The details are so sharp they are truly a sight to see and enhance the viewers experience immensely. The 2.40:1aspect ration helps with the clarity and the 2160p resolution gives the colors a richness they might not otherwise have. The Dolby Atmos is the perfect way to showcase the special effects as well as the iconic soundtrack. The combo pack comes with hours of extras including three separate commentaries, and numerous behind the scenes footage mostly discussing the incredible stunts and how they were filmed. There is also a color booklet with various shots of the stunts and quotes from cast and crew.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout has a solid plot surrounded by the amazing stunts discussed earlier. As action films go this is the full package and certainly one of this year's best. Cruise could retire after this knowing he made an incredible film.
Grade: A-
