Mission: Impossible (1996) Movie Review

Synopsis:

After a covert operation goes awry, IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must uncover who’s responsible. During his investigation, Hunt also learns of a traitor in the CIA, surprised to discover that he’s their No. 1 suspect.

Review:

Mission: Impossible’s roots date back to its popular TV series in 1966. Director Brian De Palma decided to release his film adaptation 30 years later.

He also took this opportunity to cast then, and now-popular, American actor Tom Cruise in the lead role of Ethan Hunt.

As the leading actor in this film, Tom Cruise provides an energetic performance. This is present in both his acting and the action sequences.

From the outset, Brian De Palma establishes tension in his opening sequence.

Each character’s purpose is clear, yet some remain hidden. This was an intentional decision by the director to build stakes.

Take when Ethan Hunt’s team members get eliminated one by one.

As a result, the puzzle pieces drift apart, with the viewer looking to piece them together.

It is an intriguing premise. This film's atmosphere and tension are also highlighted during the first half.

Mission: Impossible’s visual style also brings these points forward. This adds to the film's action and heist sequences.

Mission: Impossible also includes other, more central characters in this film.

One of these is Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell. In the film, he brings a suitable charm to his performance.

This film’s other characters are the leading director of the IMF, Jim Phelps (Jon Voight), and his wife, Claire Phelps (Emmanuelle Béart).

As a veteran actor, Jon Voight is well-suited to his role as Jim Phelps, giving a good performance.

Altogether, Voight doesn't have much material to begin with. This all changes when the film reveals Phelps as the primary antagonist.

These points come together halfway through the film’s plot. This film also reveals that Phelps’s wife, Claire, was a conspirator.

Emmanuelle Béart’s Claire is a mysterious woman with a devious mind behind her external beauty.

These are qualities that Emmanuelle grasps to good effect. This is despite her not having many lines of dialogue.

Mission: Impossible also has a secondary antagonist. This is the former IMF helicopter pilot, Franz Krieger (Jean Reno).

Outside of a few scenes, the actor isn’t given much to do. This is outside of a somewhat outdated yet fun helicopter chase sequence in a train tunnel.

This film does not have many action sequences, yet each one is well-filmed.

Despite not reaching the heights of later entries, the action is entertaining.

Of course, Mission: Impossible would not be as memorable without its infamous theme. For context, Lalo Schifrin composed the original TV show's score.

Danny Elfman gives audiences his live-action version of the classic theme in this film.

Elfman’s score is very catchy, adding to the action and heist sequences.

Conclusion:

As a whole, Mission: Impossible was a good stepping stone for the franchise going forward.

Its direction and tension are highlights. These are qualities that the director, Brian de Palma, succeeds in giving to the viewer.

These are further exemplified by the opening sequences. These help to establish the tension and stakes of the mission.

Mission: Impossible’s visuals also help to bring these sequences full circle.

Each one of these action sequences has a purpose, despite there not being many of them.

Mission: Impossible’s climatic train sequence is well-shot. By today's standards, though, it may appear dated to some.

Mission: Impossible's performances are all good, with Tom Cruise given the highest-quality material.

Jon Voight as Jim Phelps also delivers a good performance and is a good antagonist.

Emmanuelle Béart’s Claire Phelps doesn't have many lines of dialogue.

Despite this, the actress conveys character through her external beauty. This is all while hiding her devious side underneath.

Being a secondary antagonist, Jean Reno as Franz Krieger is competent. This is despite the actor not having much development as a whole.

Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell is a welcome addition. He is also bolstered by a charismatic performance from the actor.

Danny Elfman also provides a catchy score, containing many entertaining moments.

As a whole, Mission: Impossible is a good film, with consistent performances, and a catchy score.

It also has some good action and a tense atmosphere. For any Tom Cruise or Mission: Impossible fan, it's a recommended film to watch.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 7/10

Action - 7/10

Visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.1 out of 10