Released in 1996, Mission: Impossible is an action film starring Tom Cruise, who also produced the project. The film quickly garnered attention at the box office with a revenue of over $450 million, making it the third highest-grossing film of the year.
The success of the film prompted the franchise to evolve, leading to the development of subsequent sequels that established a globally recognized brand. Notably, each installment has garnered stronger investment and higher ratings than its predecessor.
After 27 years, the series continues to captivate audiences with the recent release of Dead Reckoning Part 1. This installment is seen as one of the best action franchises of the modern era.
The New James Bond Image
The screenplay for Mission: Impossible is based on a television series of the same name that debuted in 1966. However, the film adaptation focuses primarily on the lead character, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise). He is a high-ranking agent working for the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), established by Secretary of State Eugene Kittridge.
In each film, Ethan Hunt faces missions that seem impossible to complete. Whether fighting against a deadly virus or confronting a national threat, his skills and intelligence help him navigate through every challenge, showcasing his status as the leading agent of the organization.
At its core, the franchise follows a familiar action movie formula, incorporating elements of espionage. However, the compelling screenplay ensures that the films engage viewers, keeping them invested even when the outcome is known.
Ethan Hunt’s character often draws comparisons to the iconic James Bond—007, created by author Ian Fleming. Both are intelligent, skilled agents, known for their charm and resourcefulness. Similar to Bond, Ethan Hunt often finds himself involved with stunning women during his missions.
The team behind the series skillfully adapts to modern trends, adding fresh elements that enhance the storytelling. Most recently, Part 7 focused on Ethan Hunt’s quest to find a key to disable an artificial intelligence system.
The narrative explores the darker side of technology, delving into the potential consequences that AI could pose for humanity in the future. As a result, the story closely resonates with contemporary audiences, breathing new life into the beloved franchise.
Thrilling Action Sequences
One key element contributing to the success of Mission: Impossible is the thrilling action sequences. Across each film, the screenwriters create exhilarating scenarios that often defy reality, compelling viewers to stay on the edge of their seats.
In the opening scenes, the main character embarks on a mission to infiltrate a CIA-controlled vault. He hangs upside down on a cable, skillfully navigating through multiple layers of security without leaving any trace.
As the series progresses, the challenges presented to Ethan Hunt become increasingly daunting. In Part 4, Ghost Protocol (2011), the character must scale the tallest building in the world in Dubai. From the outside, he uses cutting-edge technology to grip the glass, riskily clinging to the edge.
The first four Mission: Impossible films were produced by different studios. However, since the fifth installment, Rogue Nation (2015), Christopher McQuarrie has directed all subsequent films, which has become a signature style for Tom Cruise.
The latest installment has seen the franchise reach new heights, with production costs soaring to $290 million. The continuous action sequences are tightly woven into the plot, ensuring that the film remains engaging despite its lengthy runtime (163 minutes).
From breathtaking stunts to gripping action, each scene is meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
The Star Power of Tom Cruise
Before the first installment premiered, Tom Cruise was already a significant name in Hollywood. However, his role as Ethan Hunt propelled him to even greater heights, becoming an icon within the action genre.
Notably, Tom Cruise has consistently performed his own stunts throughout the series without the need for a stunt double. Over the course of all seven films, he has tackled challenging scenes, including driving a motorcycle, clinging to an aircraft, and jumping from heights, all of which contribute to the films’ realism and emotional impact compared to those relying on CGI and special effects.
In the latest installment, Tom Cruise continues to defy age at 61. He pushes the boundaries of his physical abilities with death-defying stunts.
One of the most dangerous sequences involves the star driving a motorcycle at high speeds on a mountain road before jumping off the bike into a ravine. Although the scene lasts only a few minutes on screen, the star dedicated 15 months to training, completing over 13,000 motorcycle jumps and 536 practice jumps.
The collaboration between the script, direction, and Tom Cruise’s commitment has led Mission: Impossible to be increasingly well-received, establishing it as a celebrated brand with a massive global fanbase.
Following the success of Mission: Impossible, many action films and spy thrillers have continued to emerge, such as the Jason Bourne series, Kingsman, Hitman, etc. However, no name has emerged as strongly as Tom Cruise did in this genre.
The franchise has received critical acclaim and continues to be praised by audiences. Additionally, The Guardian considers the Mission: Impossible series as the “best film franchise in Hollywood.”
