One of the best spy movie series has received a new release. A few days ago, a new Mission Impossible film graced theatres – Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One – the 7th instalment in the franchise. It was well-received by moviegoers, grossing $7 million during its preview screenings alone. This beats the $6 million record of its predecessor, Mission Impossible: Fallout, from 2018.
Given this release, it’s a great time to revisit one of the most iconic movie series ever. Mission Impossible has been running for more than two decades and is still going strong. Let’s take a look at why that’s so:
Adaptability
Credit: Paramount Pictures on YouTube
What sets this series apart from others is how it’s able to adapt. Note how the first Mission Impossible film premiered in 1996. Yet, the elements in each film matched the time of its release. For instance, before Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018), the characters used phones and in-ear devices to communicate, as those gadgets were present in the real world during those times.
Since Fallout, however, the characters have been communicating discreetly. It seems that there’s a new device in their ear canals that can withstand the running, climbing, and fighting they do, reflecting advancements in the technology of modern times. Although these are tiny details, these movies’ ability to advance and adapt makes them relatable and great.
Remarkable characters
Credit: Mission Impossible on YouTube
Another well-loved aspect of the film series is its characters. Of course, Ethan Hunt is one of them, being a reliable, rugged, and daredevil-type character who’s dedicated to his work and willing to go the extra mile to reach his goals.
Other characters, like Ilsa Faust, have also made an impression on the audience. She first appeared in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015) as the deuteragonist who worked for the international terrorist organization, The Syndicate.
In the end, she finds a new family with Hunt’s group and joins them to fight her former colleagues. Her character development over the franchise’s various instalments makes her one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Jaw-dropping stunts
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By now, everyone knows that Tom Cruise does his stunts. One of his most jaw-dropping ones includes climbing the Burj Khalifa for Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011).
For Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), Cruise’s stunt was so risky that he was given custom eyewear. In the scene, he leaps from a motorcycle over a cliff and parachutes downwards. Major eyewear brand Oakley partnered with Cruise to produce the perfect glasses for his character: the ECLP23.
It featured High Speed Protection, an expanded field of view, Zero Gravity, and an elastic strap to fit his face perfectly. This suited the film well, as Oakley’s sunglasses are suited for sports performance and equipped with the latest technologies to protect the eyes while remaining stylish.
If you want to try a similar look, try the Sutro Lite or Jawbreaker, models that can often be found on cyclists who need the same stability and comfort.
Well-thought-out wardrobes
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A good wardrobe can make or break a film. Since the series revolves around spies, their outfits typically consist of suits, combat gear, and casual looks when undercover. What’s notable about this is how well-thought-out their wardrobe is.
One instance is when William Brandt wore a Rolex Submariner Date in Ghost Protocol (2011). The luxurious watch reflected his character: a CIA operative who often wore suits. Moreover, a Rolex watch has hardcore durability that can withstand his character’s job.
Some Rolex watches, like the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, even survived the terrifying depths of the Marianas Trench, showcasing just how strong Brandt’s character is after finding a reliable team with Hunt – despite the guilt and self-doubt he experienced in the past.
Indeed, seeing the latest Mission Impossible film will be worthwhile because it’s part of the most fantastic series. For similar articles, check out the guide to the classic film, The War of the Worlds.
Image: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One – photo by Christian Black | © 2023 Paramount Pictures