One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!!!***
80. Mission: Impossible-Fallout (2018) Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
The Movie: After the capture of Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) his terrorist organization has re-emerged as The Apostles. Their next target is three plutonium cores, they plan to steal them and use them to hold the world hostage.
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is dispatched to find and retrieve the cores. He is unsuccessful after he chooses to help Luther (Ving Rhames) is captured and held hostage. Ethan saves Luther but the Apostles manage to steal the cores and get away. Well, most of them. With the help of Benji (Simon Pegg) they capture Nils Delbruuk (Kristopher Joner), the Apostles weapons specialist and trick him into giving the schematics for the bombs his boss, John Lark plans to use.
The plan that Hunt devised does not go over well in Washington. The director of the CIA, Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett) and Hunt’s boss Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) order Hunt to take Sloane’s agent August Walker (Henry Cavill) with them to retrieve the cores.
Hunt learns that Lark is planning on buying the cores at a nightclub in Paris. Hunt and Walker perform a HALO jump onto the nightclub’s roof and enter the building. They follow who they believe to be Lark into the men’s room with the intention of taking his place on the deal. The fight nearly costs Hunt his life but he is saved by Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) who kills Lark. Hunt assumes Lark’s identity and meets with Alanna Mitsopolis aka The White Widow (Vanessa Kirby). Alanna gives Hunt a core and will give him the rest if he frees Lane. Hunt is given the plan and he instead chooses to save the police from mercenaries that are on the route. Hunt leads them away and Lane is saved by Hunt’s team. Ilsa explains to Hunt that she was ordered to kill Lane to protect but she disobeyed that order to save Hunt. In another wrinkle in the plan, Walker gives evidence to Sloane accusing Hunt of being the real Lark.
Hunt however is ready for Walker. He and his team are able to expose Walker as the real Lark and a fight ensues. Walker kills Hunley. Hunt chases after Walker. Walker has an ace however, he tells Hunt that he has found his wife, Julia (Michelle Monaghan) and threatens to kill her. Both men are lives are spared from one another when they realize they both need something from each other.
Hunt, Ilsa, Luther and Benji track Lane and Walker to a medical camp near the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir. They learn that the Apostles have purposely infected the local people with smallpox. Ilsa is able to deduce that the target of Lane is the water supply to several countries affecting billions of people. Benji tells Hunt that the bomb that will trigger the event is a circuit bomb and Hunt will have to disable the detonator first or the other bombs will explode.
The Impossible team work to diffuse the bombs while Hunt gains control of a helicopter to chase down Walker. Hunt does just that and crashes his helicopter into Walker’s. Hunt uses a cargo hook from his helicopter to impale Walker, killing him. Hunt then disarms the second bomb. Hunt’s injuries require him to receive care from his ex-wife Julia. Hunt confides to Julia that he is sorry for all the pain he has caused, Julia instead tells Hunt that he saved not only the world but her as well.
Why I Love Mission: Impossible-Fallout (2018): Tom Cruise. The man knows exactly how to make movies entertaining and exciting. But what is amazing is how he keeps topping each installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Each entry turns up the suspense and action from the previous film. It might sound easy but it’s not when each film pushes the limits not only of stunt performers, but Cruise himself. The halo jump, the dangling from the helicopter all make for an exciting movie.
Yet, Fallout also focuses on the characters. If you do not care about Hunt, you won’t care as much. Cruise is lauded for his incredible stunt work and his intensity while doing these action scenes. Rightfully so. Often overlooked, is Cruise’s nuanced and powerful performance, highlighted in the last scene with him and Michelle Monaghan. Hunt wears his heart on his sleeve, and Cruise allows him to do this. Not only is Hunt a hero, but he is a human as well. All these moments captured perfectly by Cruise.
Don’t sleep on his supporting case either. The chemistry they have built over multiple films and they work seamlessly together with humor and “get the job done” attitude.
From thrilling set pieces, tight direction and unrelenting pace, Mission: Impossible-Fallout is a top tier action film.