Tag Archives: Tom Cruise

Action, Thriller

Mission: Impossible II

Leave a comment
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: July 13, 2023
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2023

Review

The sequel to the mission franchise is released to us four years after the original film and I don’t recall if I saw this one at the cinema or not. Based on how old I was at the time; I’m thinking that was unlikely. What I do recall however is owning this one on VHS and that it included behind the scenes extras of how the big stunts were filmed.

I also remember that I really liked the film at the time but on reflection I believe that comes from the fact that most of Mission: Impossible II was filmed in Australia and perhaps just being proud my home country was featured.

Since then and with more sequels released, this instalment is the weakest of the lot.

The film is quite disjointed and my major issue with it is the plot. It just doesn’t seem like a case for the Impossible Mission Force. Not only do the stakes not feel high but the actions taken by the IMF don’t seem impossible either. This could have been an intelligence mission the CIA or another agency could have covered.

The whole reason why the IMF is event included is the connection between a scientist on the project in question with Ethan Hunt – a very tenuous link indeed.

The film does have some fantastic action scenes which are very memorable. Now that might be nostalgia talking but when I think this film, I am taken back to the rock-climbing scene at the very beginning of the film and the knife fight sequence in the closing act.

The director, John Woo, also brought his style of repeat shots that slows down the action before letting the sequence run freely and faster. His style isn’t for everyone, and mission may not be his best work but this was a part of a film that I did and still do enjoy.

Lastly some thoughts on the cast.

Thandie Newton and Anthony Hopkins are inserted into the cast where the latter was a rather odd cameo and somewhat unlikable character similar to Kittridge from the first instalment. The former is added as the love interest for a storyline that adds nothing to the overarching plot. Her character while providing some interest is used in such a bizarre way.

It was nice to have Ving Rhames return as Luther however he is paired with the most stereotypical “Aussie” counterpart, it hurts to watch!

This is also the film which introduced me to Richard Roxburgh, whose performance I enjoy in this film, despite the strange accent!

Overall, as a mission film it ticks all the boxes that we expect to see. From locations, use of masks – now with the addition of a voice changing strip you stick on your throat, to action sequences. Yet with all that, Mission: Impossible II fails to hit the mark.

Not the worst film I have seen but it is very middle of the pack viewing.

Rating:  Alright

Action, Thriller

Mission: Impossible

Leave a comment
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: July 12, 2023
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2023

Review

Now that the new Mission: Impossible film has hit theatres that can only mean one thing – a movie marathon! However, with six films in the back catalogue, it’s increasingly more difficult to watch all the films in a day and then go see the new one, as I previously used to. Nowadays it’s more a one a night kind of deal.

I’m a little hazy on what the first Tom Cruise film I saw was, but it was either Mission: Impossible or A Few Good Men and I’ve been a fan ever since! That is of both star and those films.

So last night I kicked it off by going back all the way to the very beginning.

The first film in the franchise, Mission: Impossible is a joy to watch every single time. For me it’s one of those films that whenever it is on TV and I land on it, I’ll continue to watch from that point on. I’d also love to have the experience to watch it freshly again, as once you have seen it, you’ll never watch it the same way again.

Coming up to 30 years since the film was released, it still stands the test of time. One of the main reasons for this is the storyline. While not an overly complicated plot, it is a classic spy thriller tale which sees an agent being falsely accused as a mole and who uses their skills to clear their name.

There is not a moment in this film that is of waste, it is just constant entertainment from start to end. One of my favourite details are the key scenes shown during the opening titles, which if this is your first watch is an excellent tease happen to notice it.

At the time of release the film got a lot of attention of its stunts and scenes which have now become iconic to cinema history, namely Cruise balancing from the ceiling of a highly secured vault inches off the ground. And I must say, I still get excited all these years later even though I know what is coming next.

The biggest drawcard for these films is of course the action sequences. And right from the go they have been engaging and unique to now being something the franchise has become known to deliver. Each film we look forward to what exciting sequences have been conjured up and the stunt work involved.

Something that was different this time around in my rewatching was the filming locations. Meaning this film is now going to hold an extra special place in my heart after my recent trip overseas. It was only a few weeks ago that I was in Prague, where the first third of the movie takes place. I don’t think I’ve ever really watched this film paying attention to the beautiful locations. However now having been there, I feel a greater connection.

Not even a month and I’m already having nostalgic memories from my vacation!

The same goes for the last third of the film set in London. Having had drinks at The Anchor Pub where the final scene is set, and I recognised it instantly!

If for some reason you haven’t seen any Mission: Impossible film or not seen this one, I will spare you the look of puzzlement and question of “where have you been” and instead urge you to grab a copy or find it on a streaming service and watch it now!

And if it has just been some time since your last viewing, why not do the same before going to see the latest instalment, starting again from where it all begun.

Either way you are guaranteed a good night from the comfort of your couch. That is your mission, if you choose to accept it…

Rating:  A Must See

Action

Top Gun: Maverick

Leave a comment
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 4, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2022

Review

It’s been 36 years since the original Top Gun and after a few delays its long awaited sequel is now in cinemas. I’m going to make a bold statement and say that this is one of the rare occasions where the sequel might actually be better than the original. Gasp!

Before going to see Top Gun: Maverick I did a little refresher and watched the original (you can read that review here), so as I write this review it is fresh in the mind.

One of the dangers of doing a sequel so long after the original is repeating the same formula and storyline where there is really no point in having the sequel in the first place. I had this feeling with Mary Poppins Returns but not with this film. While there are a number of similarities with the original, I found the story worth telling and that it was enjoyable.

The opening sequence is pretty much a copy of the original film down to the font used in the opening credits, the score, the opening text explaining what Top Gun is, and the jets taking off and landing on an airship carrier. I think this serves as some nostalgia for old school fans while giving new fans an invitation in. There are some differences with angles used which I am guessing comes down to what cameras were available in the 80s compared to now.

The last time we saw Maverick he had his pick of any posting following the success of the final dogfight he was in and he decided that he was going back to Top Gun to be an instructor. When this film starts we don’t get a “x many years later” or explanation of what has happened in that time but clearly things didn’t go to plan and it’s not long before we see that Maverick hasn’t changed his ways that much. He loves being a pilot but the risks he takes are more related to his team than personal issues.

In this film Maverick is ordered back to Top Gun to train the best of the best pilots who have recently graduated from Top Gun for a high risk mission. Something no pilot has ever done before. In the class is Goose’s son, call sign Rooster (Miles Teller) who is the spitting image of his father. Given the history between the two you expect there to be tension however there is more to it than what happened in the original film, which was a good addition. It’s up to Maverick to get these pilots ready not only for a successful mission but to get them home safely.

The flight scenes looked fantastic and I would highly recommend going to see this one at the cinemas with Dolby Atmos for the experience. Again what makes this film a success is the limited use of CGI, it looks real because it is (mostly) real. No the actors aren’t actually flying those planes but gosh do you buy into it. It adds an authenticity which steps it up above your average action flick.

The soundtrack was also much better in the sequel with a bit more variety used and a beautiful original song written and performed by Lady Gaga. And despite me being a little over hearing Danger Zone so many times just a few hours before, I was excited by its return in the film. Used just the right amount of times I must say!

So while there are a lot of similar scenes between the two Top Gun films there is enough difference in the story to make them separate and worthy. Both are excellent action films that you’ll have a lot of fun watching.

Don’t think. Just do.

Rating:  Good

Action

Top Gun

Leave a comment
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 4, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2022

Review

This isn’t my first time watching Top Gun but it has been quite a long time between viewings. I felt it was a fitting time for a re-watch given the long waited sequel is now out in cinemas.

My memories of Top Gun was the soundtrack, aviators, volleyball, and the iconic quotes it produced. I think it’s done pretty well pop culture wise to still be relevant and I was delighted to relive a decent film.

Its a fairy simple story using a proven film formula that is executed really well. That’s why I think the film still lives up against today’s standards and is a such a favourite for many movie-goers.

What I think works best about Top Gun is that it was inspired by real US navy program and a range of experts were used on the film which gives it an authenticity. Laying on top of this the factitious character of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and his character journey from film start to end gives the audience someone to rally behind and brings enjoyment in what is a solid action film.

Top Gun wouldn’t be what it is without Maverick and you can’t have Maverick without Tom Cruise. While not one of my favourite films of his, there is no doubt that he is the star of the film. He has such an on screen presence taking you on the journey with him.

When we meet Maverick and his RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) Goose (Anthony Edwards) we can see what a great team they are and the potential they have, particularly Maverick. They manage to scrap in an admission into Miramar’s elite Fighter Weapons School known to its flyers as “Top Gun” and the film takes place over the training and graduation period of that program. During this time Maverick needs to learn some lessons about himself, working as a team, fighting his instincts vs the navy’s expectations, and his relationship with his father that has been holding him back. As if that isn’t enough, throw in a romance with one of his instructor’s (Kelly McGrillis), a rivalry with a fellow flyer in his class (Val Kilmer) and a personal tragedy.

These types of films feel the need to include a romance story which I’m not the biggest fan of however as I get a little older I’m not getting as bothered by. The storyline between Maverick and Charlie is just enough I think without distracting from the other aspects of the film and does give motivations to the character of Maverick to learn some of those lessons mentioned above. I actually liked the chemistry between the two and the build up of the will they / won’t they paid off with their first kiss. Apparently Cruise had a line in that scene, forgot it and went for the kiss. The director liked it and kept it in. Given that I was practically yelling at the tv to “kiss the girl”, it was probably the right move!

Apart from Tom Cruise, the other reason we love Top Gun is for the fighter jets! The scenes of the fighter jets in the air not only provide great entertainment value but also balance the light and dark within the story. As soon as those planes are in the air, you can feel the tension change which is a great use of changing tones between scenes. Coupled with the score you get a sense of what each flight might add to the story because just as in real life, not every flight is the same.

As for dislikes, I can’t believe I’m about to say this but the Kenny Loggins hit “Danger Zone” was used way too many times and if I don’t hear it for a few days I think I’m going to be ok. The same could be said for “Take My Breath Away”. It was a little like, guys there are other songs.

Top Gun is a fun action film and a decent one at that.

You can be my wingman anytime.

Rating:  Good