Impossibly frustrating: why Mission: Impossible 8 was a major letdown
Briefly

The Mission: Impossible franchise has witnessed a transformation from its inception in 1996 to its latest installment, drawing mixed reactions from audiences. While the first half of the series, particularly the original and Ghost Protocol, is often underrated, the latter films have garnered a more favorable reception. However, public screenings for the latest release have revealed rising dissatisfaction, critiquing its disjointed storytelling and pacing. Tom Cruise turned to the franchise during a challenging period in his career, revealing a stark contrast between artistic risk and blockbuster escapism. This evolution has altered the character of Ethan Hunt significantly over time.
The franchise has evolved dramatically, with diehard fans often overlooking the unique charms of the early films while re-evaluating the latter entries too highly.
Tom Cruise’s return to Mission: Impossible post-1999's commercial struggles marked a shift to blockbuster escapism, contrasting sharply with his more serious roles during that period.
Critics from public screenings highlight a growing discontent with the final installment, criticizing its pacing and coherence in resolving long-standing story arcs.
Where early films presented Hunt as a marked man confronting overwhelming odds, later installments transformed him into a more infallible hero, impacting narrative engagement.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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