Christopher McQuarrie directs Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell and Vanessa Kirby in this espionage action thriller where Ethan Hunt’s team must recover a key that will turn off a world conquering AI called The Entity.

The talkiest Mission yet. Many callbacks to De Palma’s first entry. Also owes a pint to Moore era Bond. There’s a measured silliness here not often seen in this franchise… with the exception of Brad Bird’s Ghost Protocol, Atwell makes for an eye catching addition to the team, Pom Klementieff gives excellent henchperson aggression. When it comes to Tom doing ludicrous danger, this cliffhanger episode saves the best until last. A domino rally of stunts in a ridiculously never ending conveyor belt of peril. Every move he makes to survive introduces a new hazard. Just breathtaking. It is an entire dessert cart hurtling towards your gob after a ruthlessly ripped two hours of spycraft gubbins. Blockbuster heaven.

9

Perfect Double Bill: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two (2024)

I write regular features about live comedy for British Comedy Guide here https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/bobby_carroll/features/