mt-95256

TL;DR

• Intricate, captivating plot

• Occasionally feels like the mission may be "impossible" - finally!

• Hints at current fears in society but doesn't really get to the heart of them

• Incredible fight scenes and stand-out stunts

• Wonderful cast, each character bringing something special to the film

• Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby underused

• Proof that these films get better and better - one of the best yet

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There's a stereotype that gets thrown about these days, touting that the longer a film franchise goes on, the worse the films become to the point where they're just cheap cash-ins on the franchise's popularity. This is even more so the case when there is no overarching story (unlike Harry Potter, Marvel etc.), every new instalment met with eye-rolls and cries of "another one?" (think Die Hard, Fast and Furious and several horror franchises...). James Bond is an excellent example of a franchise that has avoided this, and now we have no choice but to admit Mission: Impossible films also do not fit this stereotype. On the contrary, aside from the lacklustre first two films, the Mission: Impossible films have improved with each entry. Honestly, I thought it would peak with Syndicate, but clearly writer/ director Christopher McQuarrie knows what he's doing, since Fallout is incredible - perhaps the best in the series.

It may seem strange, but in these films their supposedly "impossible" missions often prove to be very "possible." Fallout, on the other hand, changes this; there are frequent moments where the mission goes wrong, making matters increasingly difficult and complicated. The scope and complexity is suitable for a mission that is said in the very title to be impossible. Not only is the adjective now applicable, but such a plot is much more engaging and enjoyable to watch; constantly fast-paced and rarely letting up, it's such an exciting ride which you can't necessarily predict. The stakes are high and it's so tense, particularly during the finale, that you can't tear your eyes away. Still, despite all this, it's not as impactful as it should be, since we all know deep down that it's going to end happily and Hunt will save the day - they're not bold enough to have an ending like another big blockbuster that came out earlier this year... Nevertheless, there are times where you find yourself questioning if they're going to come out of this on top, adding to the already immense excitement. On top of this, there are elements of the story that seem to reflect our fears today (terrorists, worries about nuclear weapons), but it never really capitalises on this, merely using it to frame the action and no more.

As with most Mission: Impossible films, though, the excitement isn't really from the plot - it's from the action; and there's plenty of action to enjoy here with bold, incredible stunts that stand out. Though it may be a slow start compared to previous films Ghost Protocol and Rogue Nation, it soon makes up for it, slowly immersing us in a non-stop thrill ride. Each fight is brilliantly choreographed and performed, every punch making an impact. You'll find yourself wincing throughout the entire film - especially the brutal bathroom fight. In fact, it's that scene in particular where you see various characters' fighting styles. Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill and Rebecca Ferguson all fight in different ways, adding diversity to each scene and making sure the fights are never stale or boring (a danger in films with lots of action). Fortunately, however, there's more to the exquisite action than just fights. As we've become used to in Mission: Impossible films there are multiple stunts that are a joy to watch. Whether it's jumping across the rooftops of London or trying to hijack a helicopter, this film rivals the climbing of the Burj Khalifa in Ghost Protocol.

Another strength of Fallout is how it's more connected to the franchise than the other films. There's now a secure returning cast other than Tom Cruise, including Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson and even Michelle Monaghan (although it's a shame Jeremy Renner skipped out on this one). Pegg and Rhames bring some comedy and relief, although this aspect of their characters was underused. Whilst still not necessarily the most fleshed out of cinematic characters, they're lovable and give a stronger personality to the overall film. The female characters though are still the most underused. Ferguson's Ilsa Faust was without a doubt the best part of Rogue Nation and, along with Vanessa Kirby's White Widow, is one of the best parts of Fallout too. Yet again, Ferguson is an enigmatic bad-ass with a vulnerable side who commands every scene she's in, being a perfect female equivalent to Cruise's Hunt. Kirby plays a different kind of woman however; less reliant on her fighting abilities, she uses charm and beauty to get her way, but still carries a danger lurking beneath her performance.

Newcomer Henry Cavill injects more charisma into this role than he does Superman in the DCEU and even fellow agent Solo in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Suave but obnoxious, we love to hate him - and any fight scene is all the better when he's there; when Sloane describes him as a "hammer," she's not wrong. Sean Harris' Lane, on the other hand, is not as physically intimidating as Cavill, but his character continues in a similar vein from Rogue Nation; cold, calculating and full of malice, Harris' performance is sinister - though still can't beat Seymour Hoffman's antagonist in M:I 3. This is still Tom Cruise's film, however (as well as writer/ director Christopher McQuarrie's). Despite varying opinions on Tom Cruise as an actor, I personally like him and can't imagine anyone else as Ethan Hunt - who else could carry a franchise for six films and seemingly not even break a sweat? In fact, this is arguably Hunt's best portrayal yet, as Cruise delves deeper into his psyche, looking at how his job and actions affect others around him.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout is continuing proof that the films in this franchise get better each time. Though it doesn't go much further than just a spy-action movie, it has a solid cast (both returning and new), breath-taking stunts, nail-biting action and a plot that will keep you invested throughout. Fallout stands out as one of the best in the series as well as the genre as a whole. I can't wait to accept the next mission...

TL;DR

• Enjoyable, but doesn't stand a chance compared to Marvel's last three - Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War

• Simple story without a solid villain

• Less identity than the first film

• Fun, imaginative action and fights

• Too much Peña, too little of John-Kamen and Pfeiffer

• Rudd and Lilly make a good team as Ant-Man and Wasp, but chemistry and relationship are weaker than they could be

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There's no denying that Marvel are on top of their game as of late; let's think back to their last three films - Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War... These were all huge splashes in cinema, the latter two in particular. Now, after the enormous events of Infinity War, we needed something lighter and more easy-going. Fortunately, we have Ant-Man and the Wasp, a film that is noticeably more relaxing. Still, following such incredible and unique films, this one seems a little too formulaic and small, but nevertheless enjoyable.

At first I thought it was because we've just come from Thanos, but regardless of that it's still noticeable that there's a lack of a real villain. Yes, we have Ava/ Ghost and Sonny Burch, but Sonny seems more like a low-key gangster and Ava's intentions are hardly evil or malevolent. Without a real antagonist, it all seems a lot lighter with lower stakes. After all, as Roger Ebert said, a film is only ever as good as the villain... Instead, the story focuses more on their search for Janet, with various people getting in the way. But even then it's not as if the film has a solid identity like the first one; whereas Ant-Man could be described as a heist movie, it's difficult to say what Ant-Man and the Wasp could be described as - a recue movie...maybe?

Still, although the story may be a little too much on the light side, it's never boring. There are plenty of laughs (as we've come to expect from Marvel) and lots of fun action. The best thing about Ant-Man is the opportunity of having more imaginative action scenes we haven't seen before. Cars constantly shrinking and growing as they race through San Francisco is the sort of fresh new action we need. What's best, though, is when the comedy and action come together; last time we had an enormous Thomas the Tank Engine run rampage, this time we have a dangerously large Hello Kitty Pez flying towards the bad guys. And with regards to fighting, if anything the highlight of the action comes from Evangeline Lilly's Wasp, whose smooth fighting skills beat Scott's any day and are an absolute blast to watch.

Comedy perhaps goes a little too far with Peña's Luis, forcing in the same sort of inane jabbering monologues from the first film. If anything, I would prefer less Luis and more from the other members of X-Con. It would have also been better to see more of Fishburne's Bill Foster and particularly John-Kamen's Ghost, whose performance was finely balanced between charismatic and likable to manic and desperate. Michelle Pfeiffer, however, is by far the most underused aspect of the film. To have an actress like Pfeiffer in the cast and to only use her sparingly as merely a MacGuffin seems mad, especially when she seems like an absolutely perfect Janet Van Dyne; glamorous, caring and determined. The heart of the film though is still with Hank and the titular duo. As with the first film, Douglas manages to make Hank likable despite his brusque manner. But it's Rudd and Lilly who carry the film - as you would imagine they should judging from the title. Their banter retains its charm from the first, although it would have benefitted from more chemistry and to explore their relationship more deeply. Still they fight well together, talk well together and make a good team.

I feel quite sorry for director Peyton Reed. There's no doubt that we needed a breath of fresh air after the intensity of Infinity War - and this is it. In comparison to the recent Marvel films, this one never stood a chance of reaching those heights. Though it seems a little too light and formulaic, lacks a solid villain and should have dreamed bigger (pun intended), Ant-Man and the Wasp is still a decent and enjoyable Marvel film to keep us going until next year.

TL;DR

• Stands out amongst other superhero films
• Weaker villain - as is plan and motivations
• Fewer messages than the first
• Elastigirl demonstrates stronger female agency - Disney/ Pixar is doing things right!
• We see more of the characters
• Good humour
• Its style is still unique and enjoyable - blend of 60s Bond films and superhero genre works brilliantly
• A sequel worth waiting for

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Nowadays we expect superhero films at the cinema (can anyone remember a time when there wasn't at least one being shown?!). But in a time dominated by Marvel (or DC and Fox trying desperately to keep up) it's refreshing to have a superhero film that a.) isn't based off a comic book, b.) isn't from the usual Marvel, DC etc. and c.) is animated (although that's bound to change with the upcoming Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse). Not that Incredibles 2 is completely original - the "2" makes its sequel status clear, but it's been a long 14 year wait since the first... Back in 2004 the only superhero movies we really cared about were Raimi's Spider-Man films... So how does Incredibles 2 fare in an age already saturated with superhero films?

There was something undeniably special about the first film's plot - it had moral messages both explicit and implicit that pleased countless audiences. Many went away with Syndrome's line ringing in their ears - "When everyone is super, no one will be." Ultimately the villain's plot and motivations in Incredibles 2 pale in comparison to Syndrome, as does the character itself. It all makes sense during the film, but after it feels forgettable and devoid of a powerful message. Additionally, I can't help but feel robbed of a large final encounter - but maybe we've become accustomed to Marvel's structure...

On the other hand, it's impossible to walk out of Incredibles 2 without noticing some of the powerful messages conveyed; specifically it's brilliantly relevant and timely feminist message. Let's face it - Elastigirl is a better hero than Mr. Incredible; he's basically a non-green Hulk who hits things hard whereas there's no limit to what Elastigirl can do by contorting her body - she absolutely deserves the spotlight in this sequel. But more than that, Elastigirl's role in this film demonstrates another sense of female empowerment that Disney is doing so well at the moment. Not that Helen Parr is ready to stand up to the likes of Elsa and Moana, but it's definitely a step in the right direction and a good female role model for the young audience.

The sequel also gives us an opportunity to enjoy more of the family dynamics within the Parr family. Although edging on the patronising side, seeing Bob cope with the reversal of the traditional roles adds in a nice bit of comedy, particularly his exhausted face as he deals with Jack-Jack's refusal to sleep and his rising frustration in the face of Math he was never taught. Incredibles 2 allows more of a focus on the family itself, giving the film a more unique feel to the original. As a result, we see a little more of each character; we see more of Violet and her effort to deal with her teenage angst; we see much more of Frozone; and we even see a more maternal side to Edna... It's even better to see more of Jack-Jack, a character who was noticeably side-lined for most of the original.

However the best returning aspect is the style itself. As with the first film, Incredibles 2 marries the 60s era James Bond style with the superhero genre - a beautiful match made in heaven; Michael Giacchino's rollicking brass-dominated score is stronger than ever, strongly evocative of the old Bonds, and the set design is impeccable. I don't know if it was just me, but on top of everything else the music and aesthetic was one of my favourite parts of The Incredibles and I'm just happy it's as good in the sequel as it was back in 2004.

Waiting for sequels (whether we know they're coming or not) is not unusual; after all there were over 30 years between the two Top Gun and Blade Runner films and more than 50 years in between the two Mary Poppins outings, not to mention the countless gaps between Star Wars and James Bond films... even Finding Dory came out 13 years after Finding Nemo. On the whole, I think it's safe to say that the sequels we wait for are worth waiting for (let's forget Godfather: Part III and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for now...).

It may be 14 years since the original but Incredibles 2 is just as enjoyable as the first. Though it may lack the bold heart and strong messages of the first, the characters are out in full force, kicking ass and making audiences laugh in style. This is the sequel we wanted - able to stand proudly amongst other superhero films that have come out in the meantime. As was integral to the film itself, Incredibles 2 is proof that we need more of Pixar's Supers!

P.S. The Pixar short film before the film starts is just as adorable as ever (especially once you get to the end).