Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Mission: Impossible – Fallout is a Producer J.J. Abrams slick production that absolves Director Christopher McQuarrie from his Mummy fiasco of 2017. Here, everything works.

Tom Cruise is at his best and is admirably backed up by Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, the irresistible Rebecca Ferguson, Henry Cavill, Michelle Monaghan, Sean Harris, Vanessa Kirby and Alec Baldwin.

 

This film has exciting action and effects, plus great music thanks to Lorne Balfe,   excellent editing thanks to Eddie Hamilton and a great script thanks to Writer/Director McQuarrie.

It’s worth its nearly $180 million budget and your time.

I give Mission: Impossible – Fallout a 4.8 out of 5.

Eighth Grade

Writer/Director Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade is a successful drama thanks to young actress Elsie Fisher, who allowed herself to be filmed with all the “flaws” of a 13-year-old girl.

It’s the story of the awkward age most of us have experienced in the transition from childhood to adolescence.  

For that reason, despite its abundant humor, it is sometimes very uncomfortable to observe; because it’s all too real.

I give Eighth Grade a 4 out of 5.

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again

If you’re feeling sad, then you must see Writer/Director Ol Parker’s Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again.

Thanks to Parker and the brilliant writing of Richard Curtis, this film is a true joy.   If you enjoyed the original, you’ll be ecstatic over this sequel.

Here, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has fulfilled her deceased mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep) dream of turning their home into an inn and has set up a grand opening that a great windstorm puts in jeopardy.

The story goes back and forth between young Donna’s (Lily James) finding of the island and her daughter’s opening day. 

It’s just plain fun with a fabulous cast, including Cher, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Andy Garcia and the “fathers” Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård.  But, it will pull on your heartstrings, as well.

Enjoy it and let your worries wither away. 

I give Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again a 4.6 out of 5.