A solid action film that goes on just a bit too long and isn’t always as clever as it thinks it is. This movie absolutely delivers on the promise of great action sequences. Car chases, helicopter chases and hand to hand fights are thrilling to watch. Everything is well-shot and it’s clear to see what’s happening, while Tom Cruise is always in the thick of it. While there are still stuntmen and some digital trickery, it always seems to be him that we see in danger. The plot is solid, but lacks just a bit of urgency. It takes till late in this two hour-plus film to firmly establish a villain and present the life and death situation the heroes have to stop. Viewers who haven’t at least watched “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” may struggle to keep up with who’s who, but I think they fill you in enough to let you enjoy the movie at a basic level. The story has a few fun twists and turns, but I think fans of the series can see through the deceptions. The humor is a little light but usually works, and there are a couple of emotional moments that try to stir up your feelings.
**** out of *****