Archives for 2015

This highly anticipated sequel in the Mission Impossible series stars Tom Cruise as Ethan who, along with his team take on the most impossible mission yet – eradicating the Syndicate, an international rogue organization as highly skilled as they are committed to destroying the IMF. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Keefer B. comments, “This film has incredible car chases, mind blowing stunts and gadgets that even James Bond would beg for. Every scene is better than the last.” See his full review below.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

By Keefer B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

A roller coaster of non-stop excitement! Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) faces a new threat called the Syndicate, a network dedicated to establish a new world order via terrorist attacks. Ethan has another problem – his agency, IMF, is shut down. Now, his team consists of rogue agents with the most impossible mission yet.

I’m just going to be frank, this is my first Mission Impossible film and Rogue Nation makes me want to see more. As a movie lover, I get excited when I’m introduced to new film franchises and boy was this an introduction. Having no history with the franchise, it did not damage my extreme enjoyment.

The film itself is an absolute blast. When the credits rolled, I felt as if I’d just come off an amusement park ride. This film has incredible car chases, mind blowing stunts and gadgets that even James Bond would beg for. Every scene is better than the last.

Action is not the only thing that fuels this movie. It also has tremendous actors. Some of the feats pulled in this film are absurd and stretch your belief system. Performers like Tom Cruise and Simon Pegg successfully help you buy into these impossible situations. Even the characters they play are aware of the insanity but they treat it like an everyday occurrence because it’s their job. Like magicians, there is a charm and elegance from the performer, so you don’t catch the strings and mirrors.

Even if you haven’t seen other Mission Impossible films, I bet you recognize the iconic music. Many films and TV Shows have satirized it and who can blame them? The theme is grand! Many composers have added their own touch to it like Danny Elfman and even Hans Zimmer. This film’s track is composed by Joe Kraemer and is one of the best versions, if not the best. The music starts out with two notes and then grows. As the music got louder, my pulse rose until the title came up and the Mission Impossible theme burst through the speakers. The music really gets you into the mood.

My favorite character is Benji (Simon Pegg). I love the characters that have the gadgets and technology to help our hero. Benji is not only a loyal friend to Ethan, but their history makes the interactions between them funnier and sincere.

My favorite scene is when Cruise is under water switching the security codes. When you hear about actors doing their own stunts, one man comes to mind – Tom Cruise. Cruise is known for his authenticity with stunts. (That’s really him hanging on to the outside of the plane – with safety precautions of course) You’d think he’s at his limit. Well, according to the director (Christopher McQuarrie), in this scene Cruise held his breath for six minutes. I looked it up! Even McQuarrie thought it was, “too real.” While you’re watching the scene, you’re holding your breath as well.

The moral of the story is, “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.”

Ethan has teamed up with Lisa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), an agent who may or may not be part of the Syndicate. Ethan is unsure if he can trust her, but he knows if he stays with her, the closer he is to stopping the Syndicate.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this to ages 10 through 18. There is, of course, violence and language but nothing you wouldn’t expect in a PG-13 film.

Your mission is to see Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. It is in theaters July 31.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions, www.kidsfirst.org.