MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE

The original Mission: Impossible does an exceptional job of establishing the stakes and setting up the “impossible” mission, to the point that it serves as a blueprint for nearly all the films that followed. While the scope and intensity of the series have grown over time, the first installment remains incredibly entertaining and tightly constructed.

The film’s opening thirty minutes are filled with tension, as director Brian De Palma introduces what appears to be a classic team-based operation—something reminiscent of Ocean’s Eleven, but in the world of espionage. However, the story quickly takes a turn, and like Ethan Hunt himself, the audience realizes they’ve been deceived. What follows is a gripping spy thriller, as Hunt is forced to rely on his resourcefulness and ingenuity to clear his name.

Of course, the film’s most iconic moment is the famous wire scene, where Tom Cruise is suspended in a high-security CIA vault, unable to make a sound or touch the floor. It’s a masterclass in suspense. With its clever set pieces, engaging mystery, and solid pacing, Mission: Impossible lays a strong foundation for what would become one of the most enduring action franchises in modern cinema.

VIEWED ON
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Vudu