Went and saw the latest entry in the MI franchise last night. It qualified as Big Dumb Fun, and Tom Cruise was witty and charismatic. There’s a reason he’s a big star even if as a person he’s a flake. They’ve also stopped trying to hide that he’s short which is nice, and they even use it for some laughs.
I can’t really comment on the script because I’m not sure it actually made any sense in terms of each scene building on the next leading to a climax. They all seemed discreet, more like beads on a string then a woven whole. Basically the scenes were really just excuses for big, elaborate (and fun) action sequences.
I spend half my time when I’m writing making sure that the logic tracks. How did they get that piece of information? How would they actually locate this person? etc. etc. Apparently none of that is necessary in a big action movie. This is done with such flair and charm, and if you’re willing to just go with it you won’t really care that there appears to be no earthly way for the team to learn things.
Simon Pegg was just darling, but he always is. The woman was the usual big budget movie eye candy, but at least they didn’t have her falling in love with Ethan, and she got to wear what I’m pretty sure was a fabulous Elie Saab gown. He’s my favorite designer and he knows how to make a woman look amazing.
This film worked for me because I went in expecting nothing other than Big Dumb Fun and they had the brains to drill their tongues firmly in their cheeks, and just have fun with the whole thing and use the very appealing cast to good effect.
Some of the logical lapses were amazing though. A Russian sub launches a nuke, and there is no reaction from the U.S. Really? But hey, we had a great visual at the end in San Fran.
It’s not high art, but if you’re looking for a fun roller coaster ride and a surprisingly funny movie you’ll enjoy this.
