Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Tom Cruise and his spy alter-ego Ethan Hunt aren't done saving the world. Their fifth adventure, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, once again sets out to outdo its predecessor. And once again, the audience is rewarded with a genuine thrill-ride.

This time, Ethan is on the Hunt for The Syndicate, a criminal empire made of rogue spies. Ethan's superiors in Washington think it's a snipe hunt and have the Impossible Mission Force shut down. But Ethan won't retire until he stops The Syndicate and its leader Solomon Lane (Sean Harris). That's why CIA director Hunley (Alec Baldwin) pursues Ethan.

The Syndicate proves far too savvy for one Agent to go it alone. So for this Mission, Ethan assembles Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickwell (Ving Rhames) and Will Brandt (Jeremy Renner). Joining them is Syndicate double-agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). Dangerous obstacles and villains obstruct them at every turn. Our heroes will have to outsmart them all.

This sequel continues its proud tradition of a revolving director's chair. This time, it's writer Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects) who occupies the job. The screenplay introduces villains so intelligent that they hijack the film's traditional "this is your mission" scene. Ethan's way of outsmarting Lane was a satisfying series of events.

Ethan's highly-advertised airplane stunt is the first scene in the film. And yet, with editor Eddie Hamilton, the thrills keep on coming. The best sequence was Ethan thwarting assassins at the Opera. I don't think I've seen a recent action scene that built up suspense as masterfully as it did. You're just glued to the screen as the remaining runtime plays out.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is a sequel that justifies its franchise's endurance. It's a well-plotted thriller which throws conventions into the air. Here's hoping that the next Mission is also a worthy experience.