Mission: Impossible 5: Rogue Nation

RATING: A-

I really don't know how Mission: Impossible has managed to stay afloat *and* good for as long it has. It's been an incredibly inconsistent franchise that, aside from Ethan Hunt and Ving Rhames's character, seems to be changing all its characters and setting and stuff every movie. We have a new secretary/supervisor all the time. We have a new female lead all the time. We have a new film director with a wildly different style all the time. I mean, that first movie was more of an action thriller (and it was a darn good one); then there was whatever the heck the second one was; then there was the JJ Abrams (nothing more needs to be said) third one; and then there was the fourth one that was just a fun action movie that didn't take itself *too* seriously. 

That said, all these movies so far have been quite entertaining. (Except that second one. We're still trying to forget that one existed.) And here we have a fifth one; that, stunningly enough actually brings back the same characters from the previous installment (save for the female lead). Benji is back. Brandt is back. And Luther is back in the full role he deserves as well. The new female lead, Ilsa, is probably the most interesting one we've had thus far; she's a complex character that keeps you guessing with regards to her allegiance. 

In this fifth film, Ethan Hunt has been going after a terrorist shadow organization called the "Syndicate," which is described (at least in the trailer) as an anti-IMF. Speaking of the IMF, it's being disbanded, thanks to Alec Baldwin (the CIA director). So once again, Ethan and his guys are on their own to deal with these guys. 

Rogue Nation is actually stunningly entertaining, and much less forgettable than Ghost Protocol (even though that one was certainly still enjoyable); loaded with awesome action sequences including the "plane takeoff" scene and the motorcycle chase and a storyline that actually keeps you guessing somewhat. And having a group of returning characters we're familiar with is nice for once, as is having Luther back in a full role (maybe that's why the fourth one was less memorable, since he was only in it for two minutes). Those things said, sometimes some things feels slightly improbable, and the movie doesn't really have much of a beginning or an end. It just happens. 

*That* said, though, Rogue Nation is really a fun action/adventure movie that manages to stand above the other sequels pretty well. It doesn't have a convoluted plot, nor does it feel just silly/ridiculous at times. I still personally think the very first movie is the best, but Rogue Nation isn't all too far behind. It's definitely the best sequel in the series thus far, and that plus the fact that Christopher McQuarrie (the director) is actually returning for M:I-6 actually gives me reason to really look forward to future sequels.