Got the opportunity to see this early today and it did not disappoint!

I never thought Mission: Impossible – Fallout could be topped and any attempt to do so might hurt the franchise. While it’s only short of Fallout, it is mostly due to it just being part one of a two-part movie. I recall after seeing Fallout, I believed it was too much of a perfect movie that the franchise probably should have stopped there. Even though the marketing on this film has felt minimal, I have been a fan of this franchise for as long as I can remember that no matter what, I would still see this as soon as possible. To my surprise, I had the opportunity to see this and I am so glad I did in a packed theater!

This is truly almost another perfect entry in the M:I franchise. The beginning of this movie alone, of all things, is amongst one of the best. It is something that I have never seen before. By the time the first hour wrapped, I was worried of what was to come due to how incredible this first hour was. The opening sequence before the opening credits, as said, is unlike anything I have ever seen. Beyond that, after the opening credits, the next sequence is non-stop. Throughout this time, nothing disappoints. There is a sense of respect for this franchise based on what they do. Specifically, the use of Dutch angles, like the first movie, is used quite often. I typically don’t like these types of shots, but it serves the purpose here of not only has the franchise come, but shows that the story has to go back in time.

I’d say majority of the rest of the movie is dedicated to explaining the story and giving characters more time to shine. I believe Tom Cruise knows that there is a place for this franchise to survive beyond him, so there is ample amount of time given to everyone to make them all standout. The new additions, Hayley Atwell, Esai Morales, and Pom Klementieff, are handled very well here and adapt to this world perfectly. Atwell plays will with Cruise and Co. on a mission that continues to surprise between the action set pieces and the humor. Mentioning of the humor, the humor has never been better. Morales’ villain continues the franchise’s trend on delivering compelling villains. Lastly, Klementieff plays a similar role to say Boyd Holbrook played in the latest Indiana Jones film or any side villain in the Fast & Furious franchise. What makes her character different is that she manages to get an arc that is surprising, yet offer a simple and realistic explanation to her motives. These three will surely be fan-favorites by the times viewers finish watching this movie.

I can’t help but to see how well this movie plays out as a part one of a two-part finale compared to something like Fast X. Not to dig into other films, but I mention this as this is something that the movie does very well. Similar to Fast X, there is a scene in Rome that plays out better. It is ridiculous, but it is funny and entertaining and never goes overboard. There are also characters that either flip flop between sides and characters that come out of nowhere that it always feels organic. By the end, the film manages to truly feel like a complete movie that will satisfy audience’s, yet keep them exciting for next year’s entry.

I really do want to give this a 5/5; however, there are still some plot holes that need to get answered in part two if that does happen. I have my theories on these plot holes, but I do think the next one needs to find a way to wrap it all up nicely. There is one glaring plot hole in the movie though that did bother me that I know for a fact that won’t get answered in the next movie. Without giving away any spoilers, it involves a certain character in disguise, yet their eye color is complete different than the original person and those closest to this original person never notice. It felt odd and something that I don’t understand how it was missed.

Overall, this is the kind of action-packed movie that delivers on all fronts, as well as serving as one half of a movie while managing to still feel complete. I truly cannot wait to see this again in the near future. It will be difficult to not go see this again in the theater.

VERDICT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)