Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One: it is clear that Christopher McQuarrie, now in the third entry to the fantastic action franchise, has comfortably found his stride. The story is the series’ busy usual, with a world-threatening force (this time, in great timely faction, an AI) and several independent players double-dealing and triple-crossing each other; the previous films, however, have clearly established what kind of character the protagonist is (heroic, loyal to a fault to his group, competent), so it’s not hard to root for him. This film leans more heavily on the action and less on the heists and confidence games the series is known for, but as has been the case, the action sequences are all impressively breathtaking. They are all visually incredible, but, above all, they work because they are the culmination of a character construction that makes the viewer care for the result of the action. And while the story and the stakes may be deadly serious, the film can find a lighter tone which is always welcome.

Tom Cruise proves that he is one of the few that could play this role, as he has both the chops to project the emotionality of the character and the drive, as a performer, to commit himself fully to the absolutely crazy stunt work. Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, and Simon Pegg have their respective characters down pat by now and deliver them effectively. Esai Morales’ character, by design, is a bit of a blank slate, but he is as smooth silk as he delivers the performance. Hayley Atwell, as an accidental (but smart and capable) new team member, is almost impossibly charming, and a great addition going forward, if that’s the path they choose.

The globetrotting film looks great: the locations are varied, and cinematographer Fraser Taggart captures them all, and the action, beautifully; his camerawork is dynamic and expressive. Editor Eddie Hamilton stitches it all nicely, giving a superb pace to the movie (which feels much shorter than it actually is), always keeping the action very clear, and nailing the comic timing when necessary. Composer Lorne Balfe, once more, makes good use of Lalo Schifrin’s iconic themes.

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Mission: Impossible III

Mission: Impossible II

Mission: Impossible