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MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT

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MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT
* * * ½
(More of the
action-packed series)

We miss the old “Mission Impossible” TV series. They were more cerebral and cleverly constructed.
However, the continuing movie series have been well made, with lots of action, a strong lead (Tom Cruise), and some clever, if over-complicated, plots.
The latest has IMF agent Ethan Hunt once again saving the world from nuclear destruction.
The scenery is superb, moving from Belfast to Paris to London to Kashmir, with motorcycle and car chases, a breathtaking helicopter battle, and Cruise (Hunt) racing across rooftops, jumping out of windows, fighting off dozens of bad guys, and facing his nemesis on a towering rock mountain.
The bad guys this time are the Anarchists who are dealing for three plutonium pods, fighting off Ethan and his team (Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg). Of course, there are beautiful women involved, including the love of Ethan’s life and another spy.
The opening is reminiscent of the TV and movie episodes, with Ethan listening to the mission, if he chooses to accept it, and the government disavowing any knowledge if he is caught, played on a self-destructing recording device. The rubber masks play a big role in the story, which is enhanced by other clever devices and, of course, that pounding theme that you can’t get out of your head.
The movie goes on too long (over two hours), and the plot thickens a bit too much, but the last half hour is nonstop action that will keep you glued to the screen.
Rated PG-13, with violence and some profanity.

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