Masters of the Impossible

Anyone who grew up watching movies from the 90's would have watched the Mission impossible movies. Love it or hate it, the first movie set a new standard for the spy flick genre. As you may know, the movie franchise is a spinoff of a television show of the same name from the '60s. I have not watched the tv series, but I am sure it was as exciting and ahead of its times as the movies and maybe that is what inspired the movie franchise. 

Apart from the adrenaline rushing, dare devil stunts by the most charming protagonist, the movies also feature stunning locales, the signature soundtrack theme from the series and loads of witty banter. 

I recollect how I immensely enjoyed the first movie, and rewatched it whenever I had the chance. Those were the days of CDs and satellite TV channels and there were no stream-on-demand OTT services. 

There is a recurring theme in most of these spy or thriller genres, the protagonist has a troubled past and is impossible to be around, don't follow protocol, but they bring a set of unique skills to the table, and deliver more than the expected results on their missions, that their bosses have no choice but to swallow the bitter pill and accept it when their agent goes rogue. 

But the setting in IMF flips this premise over and makes it more original. All these agents do have troubled pasts, but they have been offered a choice to utilize their unique talents for the greater good, and to live and die in the shadows. 

Yes, as Delinger, the Director of National Intelligence, played by Cary Elwes, puts it, 

So, let me get this straight, when there's a mission none of you can handle, you just leave word, for a nameless man and hope he gets the job done?

Except that it is not one man, it is a team working together each specialized in what they do and have a specific role to play in the mission. Ofcourse, that one man is charming and does the heavylifting, but the mission would not work without the tech savvy Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg respectively. Even the infallible Ethan Hunt, occasionally needs a helping hand in the form of an MI6 agent Ilsa Faust played by Rebecca Ferguson or fellow IMF agent Jane carter played by Paula Patton. For the 8th installment, Grace played by Hayley Atwell is all set to fill in for Ilsa. 

But I will miss Rebecca Ferguson's odd charm in her khakhi pants paired with linen shirts, sporting a simple braid. RIP Ilsa Faust. 

I wouldn't mind seeing Jeremy Renner or Paula Patton in the upcoming instalments either. They sure pack a punch.

What a joy ride the eight installments of this movie franchise have been. Be sure to check them out. 

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning | Official Trailer (2025 Movie) - Tom Cruise