Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Ordona
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cruise's sixth M:I action adventure is most intense one yet.
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Why Age 13+?
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Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Based on 90 kid reviews
Kids say that this installment of the franchise is a thrilling mix of non-stop action, stunning stunts, and a captivating plot filled with unexpected twists and great character dynamics, particularly highlighting Tom Cruise's impressive performance. While many parents feel it is suitable for teens, they note the frequent use of strong language and some graphic violence that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.
- great action
- intense stunts
- strong language
- captivating plot
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE -- FALLOUT is a direct sequel to its predecessor, Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation. The villain from that movie, Solomon Lane (Sean Harris), looms large over this one as superspy Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) races against the clock to stop Lane's followers from acquiring and detonating nuclear weapons. Hunt is helped/hindered by CIA bruiser August Walker (Henry Cavill) and enigmatic British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who also appeared in Rogue Nation.
Is It Any Good?
This may well be the best Mission: Impossible movie yet. Mission: Impossible -- Fallout steps up the action -- as impossible a mission as that might sound -- and the stakes, with the personal screws tightened on Hunt and horrible consequences for failure. Though spy-movie watchers will expect the requisite twists, betrayals, and MacGuffins, writer-director Christopher McQuarrie's compelling filmmaking grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Fallout delivers the death-defying stunts the series demands. The execution of, for example, the series' best car chase -- really, a car/motorcycle chase -- is so expertly done that you're less aware of the slickness than the jeopardy. Fallout also has the best fight of the series thus far (hint: it takes place in a bathroom). It's exciting and visceral, with real emotional impact. Cruise's performance is lean and focused, and hopefully Ferguson is now a fixture in the series; she can act and fight. It's also fun to see Superman (Cavill) brawling like an utter brute.
Rob Hardy's (Ex Machina) cinematography captures everything we need to track the action while also conveying different atmospheres, moods, and textures. Each of the film's locations -- exotic, dingy, or otherwise -- is well-served. Eddie Hamilton's editing is superb; he's amassing a spectacular resume (X-Men: First Class, Kingsman: The Secret Service). Lorne Balfe's versatile score builds on previous entries while recalling Hans Zimmer's Bat-music and Jóhann Jóhannson's nerve-rattling Sicario. Fight coordinator Wolfgang Stegemann and stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood pull rabbits out of their hats. So does featured fight performer Liang Yang; let's see more of that guy! Given the deeply ingrained habits of this genre, it's hard to surprise veteran fans. But McQuarrie and company get fresh reactions with the effective and thrilling Fallout by involving us in the dilemmas, making us feel the atmosphere and ticking clock, and hitting every action beat, dead center.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Mission: Impossible -- Fallout. Does it seem more intense than in previous M:I movies? Was there any difference in its emotional impact as a result? Is it what you expect from this type of movie?
Were you surprised by any of the movie's twists and betrayals, or have you come to expect them after seeing other spy movies?
Did the stakes seem different to you here than in other M:I movies? If so, why? Did the way the filmmakers treat Ethan's personal relationships have an effect on the stakes?
Ethan and his team are technically operating outside of the law. Are they still "good guys"? Where are the lines that separate them from their enemies? Do you consider Ethan a role model?
Talk about Ilsa. How often is a woman shown holding her own against a formidable male lead in an action film? What message does it send that Ilsa does that here?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 27, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : December 4, 2018
- Cast : Tom Cruise , Simon Pegg , Rebecca Ferguson
- Director : Christopher McQuarrie
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 147 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and intense sequences of action, and for brief strong language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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