I walked into the cinema shop, ten minutes remaining to buy snacks and a film ticket. Nothing worse than being thirsty, so off to the soda fountain I went.
I poured myself an enormous cup of Coke, 750 ml of sugar about to rush through my veins, heck yeah. A mixture of soda and ice filled my cup, when I heard two teenage girls use the other machine on my left. They were giggling, deciding which drink to pick. I tried to suppress a smile, remembering how I used to be at that age. Somehow everything seems funny at fifteen, doesn’t it? I filled my cup to the brim, grabbed a cardboard straw, and left them arguing over whether one type of soda has more ice in it than the other. It’s a conspiracy, I tell ya! For snacks, I picked one bag of pepper and salt crisps, and one bag of sweets. That would have to do.
Handing everything to the cashier, I added, “One ticket for Mission Impossible 7, please.”
I’d already seen it the week before. Why watch it again? Well, for one, it’s slim pickings. Barbie ain’t my thing and I’m torn on Oppenheimer, with many reviewers claiming it’s a bit too long-winded – perhaps I’ll give it a shot next week. Mainly, I just had a lot of fun last time, and I wanted to see if it would hold up watching it the second time round. Besides, this is one of my favourite franchises – if not the favourite at the moment.
Two minutes later I sat there, sipping my Coke, waiting for the film to start. Bit by bit others entered the room, mostly parents with their children. Good news for Tom Cruise, I observed. His film franchise is turning into a family event. Perhaps even a family tradition. Makes sense. It’s a pretty safe bet for the average parent: great entertainment, no politics and no sex.
Last ones to enter: the two teenage girls I mentioned earlier. Interesting, I thought to myself. I can’t imagine the average marketer would’ve guessed they could ever belong to the audience, but here they are.
Then, the film starts. The drum beat reminds us of the famous Mission Impossible theme. As it continues, it veers into the start of the theme, only to back off and go elsewhere. Everyone in the room goes quiet. We see a submarine manoeuvring near the bottom of the ocean floor. It’s difficult not to think back to the recent submarine tragedy near the Titanic, its team being crushed in an implosion – making us take the scene all the more seriously.
But I don’t think that is its original intention. I believe it’s mainly intended as a nod and a wink to the fans of the old Bond films. Most filmmakers would’ve decided submarine sequences are too boring, but these guys understand (and respect) their audience. I instantly feel appreciated. Okay, I’m on board. Let’s go on an adventure.
The enemy turns out to be an artificial intelligence, nicknamed The Entity. If this was ten years ago, it would’ve been laughable. But nowadays, it seems terrifyingly prescient. And even though some aspects might still be a little avant-garde, Simon Pegg’s Benji remarking, “Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later,” strikes home in more ways than one.
A couple of observations.
Parts of the film head into action-comedy, with two of the leading characters performing a chase scene throughout Rome. And just as intended, the handful of comedic moments had the crowd in stitches every time, laughing out loud. To my surprise, the teenage girls laughed along with these jokes – all the more surprising given how teenagers in general tend to be judgy went it comes to comedy. By the way, did I mention they actually knew the Mission Impossible theme? As soon as it started, they were humming alongside with it. They might’ve been a bit too noisy for the others in the room at times, but if you’re on the marketing/production team of this franchise, you’d definitely want to take notes, because if you can keep a fifteen year old’s attention…
And let’s not forget about the main stunt, the motorcycle jump. Cruise rides a motorcycle off a mountain, jumps and deploys his parachute. Again, the entire room went quiet. It’s real and it shows.
The best part (in my opinion) is saved for last: a sequence with a good old fashioned steam train. It’s splendid to see Tom Cruise standing on top of a moving train, knowing you’re seeing the real deal. No cheap CGI tricks involved, except for digitally removing some safety ropes. In many ways, it’s both a tribute and a do over of the first film’s finale, and it certainly managed to hold my interest.
It’s interesting how this film runs for two hours and forty-three minutes, and it flew by just as smoothly as it did the first time through. Sure, the story is rather simple. Some even say the previous one was better. I understand those critiques, but I’ve enjoyed myself more with this one. I don’t claim to understand exactly why. Perhaps it’s because it doesn’t take itself so seriously and it leaves more moments to catch your breath.
Leaving the cinema, I came to a realisation. There have always been comparisons with Bond, but nobody ever actually meant it. Bond had become a true cultural icon over the years of course, with Mission Impossible just being one of many competitors for years. But with what I’m seeing here, if they handle it right, we might be seeing the birth of the next multi-generational film franchise. Fingers crossed.
But still, that’s a big if. Many franchises hold great potential, but nothing happens if the people in charge lack vision. Stargate, anyone? That’s a world renowned series that deserves to be up there with Star Trek. Instead, it’s currently just gathering dust on the shelf. Imagine if they actually valued it for its true worth, just like Cruise values his series of spy flicks.
So, value what you have. Dare to dream a little. Work to nourish your gifts and be patient. You’ll reap the rewards sooner or later. Food for thought.
Yours truly
Vincent J. Dancet