Eyes fixed, breathless... Tom Cruise's 'storm action' strikes

A computer program evolves itself. It reaches a level equivalent to artificial intelligence (AI). It can control the world's computer network and look into all closed-circuit (CC) TVs in the world. What if villains could control this program? The setting of the movie 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One' (Mission Impossible 7) is interesting and timely. Secret agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) still crushes the villain's conspiracy with superhuman action. 'Mission Impossible 7' shows the true face of a fun and well-made commercial film.

At the age of 61, Tom Cruise shows intense action in 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One', making it hard to believe his age. Provided by Lotte Entertainment

Hunt receives an order to get the key that can control the program. Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), a former British spy Hunt conspires with, has one of the keys. They operate together and chase the whereabouts of another key. Hunt discovers during the mission that the person controlling the program is the villainous Gabriel (Esai Morales) with redemption. The story unfolds in unpredictable directions when young woman Grace (Hayley Atwell) with dazzling pickpocket skills and fighting skills joins in. 

There's a lot to see. From the desert gunfight in the Arabian desert at the beginning, it's thrilling. The key chase in Abu Dhabi airport in the United Arab Emirates brings humor while keeping the hands sweaty. The car action in downtown Rome, Italy, is also pleasing to the eyes.

In 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One', actress Hayley Atwell (left) appears as a new face. Provided by Lotte Entertainment

The action highlight is in the latter half. It's from the scene where Hunt secretly hides on the train where the key deal is made. Hunt drives a motorcycle off a cliff, descends with a parachute, and lands on the train. Cruise performed this scene himself. It's more thrilling than climbing the exterior of a skyscraper in Dubai in the 4th installment 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' (2011), or hanging on a taking-off plane in the 5th installment 'Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation' (2015). Hunt fights with Gabriel on the roof of the speeding train, and Cruise and Morales filmed on a train running at 100km per hour to make it realistic.

Some action scenes can occasionally be unrealistic. There are times when Ethan looks like a superhero in a superhero movie. But the actions don't feel excessive because they are faithful to the story progression. In short, the whirlwind action does not just stop at being action for the sake of action. Cruise stated at a press conference last month, "As an actor, I am trying to provide the best entertainment through story composition," and "I mobilized all the skills I have learned since I was 18 for this movie."

The estimated production cost is 291 million dollars. It's the most money that has been put into the 'Mission Impossible' series. Unlike other series movies that start grand and become mediocre, it has a higher completion rate than previous installments. For the first time in the series, it was filmed digitally. The color and texture of the night scenes remind one of the 1970s spy movies.Director Christopher McQuarrie is at the helm. He has been in charge of directing the 'Mission Impossible' series since 'Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation'. He has collaborated with Cruise on eight films for 15 years since 'Valkyrie' (2008), in which he participated as a screenwriter. 'Mission Impossible 7' perfectly shows what can happen when a director and actor who know each other well harmoniously combine the spirit of a craftsman. The 8th installment in the series, 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part Two', is scheduled to be presented next year. Released on the 12th, rated for ages 15 and up.