Reviews: 'Mission: Impossible - Rouge Nation' Doesn't Self Destruct

https://youtu.be/F-qBD17wwrQ

There’s a scene in “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” where Jeremy Renner utters: “This may be our last mission. Let’s make it count.”

And it’s the kind of line that should come with an affirmative wink-and-nod for Tom Cruise, the star of the action flick, who returns for more stunning action sequences (he performs his own stunts), creative gadgetry, global treks and a seemingly impossible mission, of which Cruise’s Ethan Hunt accepts.

So far, critics have given relatively positive reviews on its entertainment factor, but some say its circular plot falls short.

"'Mission: Impossible' is and has always been about Cruise wanting to push the limits of what an action star can do for the camera. But for all its style — and there is a lot of style, not to mention more than a little luck at some precarious moments — 'Rogue Nation' feels lacking in substance" –Ross Miler, The Verge

"The movie that emerges is a lot fun, with silly, suspenseful missions, espionage fantasy, and enough humor to poke fun at itself… It’s a ride, an often exhilarating one, but ultimately like most rides it ends exactly where it began" –Daniel Krupa, IGN

"Returning to make a mockery of the series title for a fifth time, Cruise ploughs through 'Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,' a sequel that is slick with silliness, but peppered with enough wit and peril to sustain the franchise’s momentum" –Henry Barnes, The Guardian

PHOTOS: 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation' World Premiere

To many critics, pairing Rebecca Ferguson, who plays a butt kicking disavowed British agent on Hunt’s team, is a refreshing female lead opposite Cruise.

"Also unusual is Ferguson’s role, which threatens to match Cruise’s in terms of screen-time. Her character is given agency and motivation. She’s neither love interest nor foil"–Henry Barnes, The Guardian

"Joining Cruise is computer whiz Benji Dunn (the always-talented Simon Pegg) and de facto femme fatale Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who is without question the best part of the film as a fully-realized, very capable, complicated foil to Hunt"–Ross Miler, The Verge

"Rebecca Ferguson comes closest to matching Cruise’s screen time, playing Ilsa whose true allegiances aren’t clear. She’s really good in the film, excels in the fight sequences, and convincingly saves Hunt in the film’s best scene"–Daniel Krupa, IGN

The story follows Hunt as he leads a team to take down a global terrorist group called The Syndicate. Also starring Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson and Alec Baldwin, “MI” hits theaters July 31.