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Mission Impossible

Mission Impossible

List Price: $14.99
Your Price: $11.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: 'Bloody Brill'
Review: I don't know why I like this film as much as I do. Looking over the reviews here and seeing a lot of the rather mediocre reception, and lauding of such scenes as the CIA breakin and Chunnel chase as the best in the film and 'reasons for buying', I wonder, what IS it I'm so fascinated by? Because for sure, even though the aforementioned sequences are definitely ranking high on a cool-level, they're not my favorites by far. They're not close to why I like the movie.

So WHY? Let me examine. Ethan Hunt - he's not the flashy, trigger-happy action hero that 'gets the girl' in so many modern blockbusters. In fact, the guy only picks up a gun once in the entire movie, and doesn't even fire it. (Too bad this all went down the drain in M:I-2, a sequel which felt like a parody of this.) The top of his class in the IMF - Impossible Mission Force - Ethan likes to be quick and effective. He doesn't like needless killing. As a plus, he resists his love interest, Claire, because he respects her marriage to his boss (Jim Phelps)...is this unheard-of? The movie is free of any sex. (!) As a result of all these traits, and the complete gut-wrenching mess Ethan is put in for the duration of the film, he ends up as quite a likeable character. And that's the heart of it.

The plot - I hear over and over about how it's 'so confusing', but it's not. You only need to be an attentive viewer. This movie wasn't made for people with short attention spans seeking a few thrills and wowzer action effects. It requires you to PARTICIPATE...what a concept! - and one I greatly appreciate. Every piece of the story unfolds perfectly onscreen, but if you're being lax, you'll miss it. It's almost as if you're going on a detective mission WITH Ethan, and you're just as surprised as him when things start clicking.

So what are my favorite parts of the film? The vault infiltration and Chunnel ending sequence get so much recognition that I sometimes wonder...am I simply nuts for absolutely loving the way Ethan's final chat with Phelps goes? 'It was Kittridge,' Phelps says, trying to sound convincing (and he will to the nonattentive viewer)...but Ethan knows better, and it shows as he replays all the events of the Prague mission out in his mind. And it's no fun either, because Phelps is his boss and friend. Then he asks the encrypted question...'Why, Jim, why?' Assumed to be 'Why would Kittridge do it', it's really 'Why would YOU do it?'

It's stuff like this that makes the movie work on a personal level for me, and I have no idea exactly how it pulls off. I've heard over and over the 'all style no substance' criticism plastered on and it just goes right over my head. But oh well. I'll enjoy my Mission: Impossible, thank-you-very-much, and critics can take their views elsewhere. This'll always remain one of my very favorite movies - it just don't get old.

'Bloody brill', indeed. Buy it.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Ok but nothing more
Review: The first movie is alright. However, Tom Cruise does not have as major role and the plot is quite thin. The other actors show themselves incapable of acting and they mostly react to the scenes rather then act in the first place. Other then that , it is an adequate movie. Recommended.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Quite Possible
Review: This movie is so easy to understand, I explained it to a three-year old. C'mon, for real. Jim Phelps' attempt to retrieve a NOC list containing names is the easiest thing since making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Yes! Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is the leader of the pack, but the mission goes sourly wrong leaving him as the lone survivor. Even Phelps was taken care of. Or was he? Throughout the movie, Hunt tries to establish a new team and sell a copy of the list to a secret buyer. When he does that, the unidentified killer will remove his mask and make you realize that you've been dooped. C'mon, how simple is this movie? It's very self-explanatory. Emilio Estevez makes a cameo! Jon Voight is back! Remember the explosive bubblegum and never chew it! The computer room scene is insane and the train is sick! There are plenty of twists and turns, so you better pay attention. I left the room for about twenty minutes and I still followed the movie. It is indeed, quite possible to understand.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I will disavow all knowledge of this review
Review: 5 Stars hmmmmm. Seems a high rating for a movie that generally has had a somewhat mediocre reception. I rated M.I. accordingly because it's a movie I have revisited on quite a few occasions and have always thoroughly enjoyed it. Tom Cruise is a very talented actor, but it is the twisting story-line, exciting climatic action sequence and theft of the NOC list scene from the CIA that sends this movie into my 5 star rating category. The DVD version I have, has no special features, aside from a theatrical trailer. If I were rating this on the DVD itself then it would certainly rate very low. All in all, a favourite movie of mine, with action, suspense, espionage and a twist. Highly recommended.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: This review will self destruct in 5 seconds...
Review: Your Mission, should you choose to accept it is to follow this overly complicated plotline! The first film in the Mission Impossible Feature Series gave viewers a lot for the money. But, many viewers were lost in the intricate plotline. That "plottiness" in an action film is rare and has sunk other films. But, even with that epic plot, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE never is boring which puts the film firmly as a success.

Tom Cruise is excellent as the James Bond-ish Ethan Hunt, a falsely accused IFM agent who spends the film working to prove his innocence. His is not a passive character, rather he heads for his goals throughout the film and others who may or may not be there to help him join him. Jon Voight is Jim Phelps, Ethan's mentor. Emmanuel Beart, Ving Rhames and Jean Reno support his actions.

Brian DePalma uses his Hitchcockian film style to a great degree as the film trots the globe. The flick carries some big-budget cinematography and some great special effects. One incredible camera shot takes in an entire bullet train traveling through the plains of England then zooms all the way in to the latch on a briefcase aboard the train. Danny Elfman scored the film, once from OINGO BOINGO and his efforts are exceptional. In fact, one of the greatest bits of film scoring occurs when Hunt dangles into a super-secure secret computer console in CIA headquarters in Langley. The tension is supported by silence.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE is a fun film and has of this writing been followed by one sequel of an extremely different flavor and tone. The DVD has a great audio video transfer.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Mission Incomprehensible
Review: Brian DePalma's big-screen adaptation of the long-running T.V show is flashy, action- filled and with a plot that's extremely complicated but thankfully so, as it raises the film above standard fare. DePalma's trend for wild camera moves, excellent action and a sharp screenplay from David Koepp (Jurassic Park) and a great performance from Tom Cruise (as spy Ethan Hunt) all combine to create one wild, exciting ride, with some unexpected twists to keep the audience guessing.

This, in what would be DePalma's last good film of late (Snake Eyes and Mission to Mars were way below par) is an exciting adrenalin-pumping action fest with the smooth Cruiser making the coolest spy since Sean Connery in Dr NO. Also along for the ride are Jon Voight as Hunt's boss, Jean Reno and Ving Rhames as the disavowed agents and Vanessa Redgrave. Cool action, a great story, and a flashy look from the man who gave us the excellent "The Untouchables". One of the greatest action films ever made. And then some.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Pretty darn good
Review: I find it hard to believe that Aaron person in this section who reviewed this flick and said he understood what was going on; I don't think ANYONE could understand this film, it was THAT confusing, and intentionally so. But, that "minor" quibble aside, this is one cool film! I am not normally a Tom Cruise fan but I thought he was quite good and so were the supporting cast. The action sequences were amazing, and the scene in the computer vault room where there was virtually no sound for what seemed an eternity, had me on the edge of my couch, er...seat! Now, I look forward to viewing MI-2, expecting THAT one also to be a complicated mess but if it's anything like the first one then I can overlook that fact just for the action scenes!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Where are the gadgets???
Review: A fantastic action film, that actually comands the use of the brain whilst watchig.
The only disappointment is that the disc contains litle or no bonus material, which is strange given the budget and nature of the film......perhaps a special edition is on the way, should we choose to accept it!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Mission Impossible
Review: Jim Phelps would never betray his country or his honor. That bit of cinematic heresy forever spoiled any possible enjoyment of this rather mundane film.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: how spy films should be done!!!!
Review: We've seen James Bond, the Man from Uncle but Mission Impossible is the only spy film that shows how to create a real world of espionage and action.
Based on the successful 1960's series, it starts off with the impossible missions force(a group of specially qualified agents) doing a simple job of catching a traitor,who is stealing secret files of every undercover agents real identity. The team is wiped out except for Tom Cruise who becomes the number one suspect for their deaths. Using all his skills he has to prove his innocence, find the real culprit and keep one step ahead of the authorities.
The set pieces are truely dazzling, the finale on the Channel Train tunnel is absoloutly stunning and the possibly one of THE best action sequences in cinematic history.
The story never slows down for a second and although at first viewing a little confusing its still gripping stuff.
The supporting cast is fantastic from Jon Voight to Vanessa Redgrave it's very hard to criticise a film so well-thought out.
The best action-orientated espionage film since You Only Live Twice. Shame De Palma would'nt stay for the sequel.
The DVD extras are few but who cares when you've got a film this good!!!!!!


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