Cruise Triumphs in Superior MISSION IMPOSSIBLE:FALLOUT

Tom Cruise and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie (and a standout cast) strike gold again with Mission Impossible:Fallout, a superb action thriller, the best of the series. 

Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his Impossible Missions Force of Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames) desperately search for stolen plutonium. With a monitoring CIA watchdog, Walker (Henry Cavill), the trail leads to a mysterious female and an old nemesis with a plot to detonate nuclear bombs with a horrifying purpose. Who can the team trust as Hunt and his team race to prevent catastrophe?

The film effortlessly globe hops from Belfast to Berlin to Paris and beyond while jumping from extended chases to the tense climax.  Briskly paced editing, beautiful camerawork, and an effective update of the classic TV theme highlight several superb action sequences including a high altitude halo jump, a hair raising motorcycle chase, a crazy helicopter duel, and a brutal restroom beat down any of which could cap off one film; here, it is an embarrassment of riches. It really makes a difference that Cruise, the movie star, does his own incredible stunts for the sake of realism.

Featuring their usual bag of tricks and effective disguises, the team works together especially at the end with some special help. There are references to the previous films that resonate emotionally, particularly in the grand finale and surprise appearances from the past that increase the personal stakes for Hunt, a man of conscience and fierce loyalty to his team no matter what the odds.

Although this Mission may be “impossible’ to top, it shows there is still a lot of life in this franchise. It’s a real crowd pleaser (at 148 minutes) and an example of stellar, movie making entertainment in the best sense.

**** of **** stars

The Redux of MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN

A followup to the hit Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again shows that the songs of megahit group Abba are the gift that keeps on giving even if they are lesser known tunes. Acting as prequel and sequel, it’s an entertaining film that merges past and present in a satisfying mixture of romance, song, and memories.

Decades earlier, a young, wide-eyed Donna (Lily James), eager to experience the world, meets three lovers and settles on a stunning, Greek island paradise. In present day, in honor of adult Donna, (Meryl Streep), daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) plans to reopen their villa as a hotel overseen by suave Fernando (Andy Garcia) and invites all the principals from before including her surrogate fathers, Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), and Harry (Colin Firth), Donna’s best friends Rosie (Julie  Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski), and husband Sky (Dominic Cooper) among others.

The actors do a credible job singing (even Brosnan) while Cher plays a mysterious connection to the past (who can still belt out a song). 

The story flashes back and forth, awash in fluid camerawork, colorful costumes, and those wonderful tunes.  Streep is sorely missed through much of the film, but as various characters of the inner circle arrive, the party’s just getting started. Its main theme resonates about family, and how coming together can elevate the spirit and soul.

While it never quite matches the infectious enthusiasm of the original, by the end, it’s one big finale with a particularly affecting moment between mother and daughter.  It’s an old fashioned, feel good film for those with fond memories of the previous film.  Sure, it can be silly and over the top, but it’s all in good fun. 

*** of **** stars

The Tandem of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

A breezy, enjoyable caper film that cleanses the palette after Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp is director Peyton Reed’s sequel to Ant-Man that maintains and expands the fun and heroics.   

Decades earlier, as the original Ant-Man and Wasp, a young Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) loses his wife, Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), in the quantum realm where time and space are skewed. Fast forward to events post Captain America: Civil War as Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is under house arrest and trying to maintain a meaningful relationship with his daughter. But Lang has a strange dream that suggests Janet may still be alive, and Pym and his daughter, Hope (Evangeline Lilly), try to build a portal to reach the quantum realm. Meanwhile Lang and Hope run into a mysterious, ghost-like figure and black market thieves who are both after the quantum technology. Add the FBI monitoring Lang, and you have essentially one long chase that culminates in a race against the clock to save Hope’s mom.

In addition to nice action scenes, there is a playful, almost comedic quality to this adventure without becoming silly.  (It is the most kid friendly Marvel film yet.)  Michael Peña and the rest of Ant-Man’s wonderful supporting cast returns (though there is not really a supreme supervillain).  Rudd, always a joy, shares equal billing with Lilly who shines as a Marvel hero.

While it could have benefitted from a bit more emotional bonding among the Pym family at the climax, this film serves as a nice setup for next year’s Captain Marvel and the concluding Avengers film.  There is a significant mid credit scene and, yes, a Stan Lee cameo.

*** of **** stars (add ½ * for Marvel Fans)