--- title: "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-rogue-nation/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-rogue-nation" critics_score: 73 critics_reviews: 23 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015): what the critics said Critics' score 73 from 23 reviews: 18 positive, 4 mixed, 1 negative. Most critics like it, and a good many like it a lot: eighteen of the twenty-three reviews are positive. The praise gathers around three things. Christopher McQuarrie’s set-pieces, above all the Vienna opera sequence, are called clear, elegant and tense; Tom Cruise’s in-camera stunt work is credited with giving the action real jeopardy; and Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust is named in nearly every review as the film’s discovery, a poised and capable lead who matches Cruise rather than decorates him. Several critics rank it above every previous entry. The reservations are about story rather than spectacle. The plot is called thin, the characters sketchy, Ethan Hunt a blank, and a number of reviews find the film too long and the finale wearing. A few think McQuarrie the least distinctive director the series has had, with editing that blunts some scenes. The spread is fairly narrow. The one outright dissent is The Guardian, which finds it shapeless and exhausting, though even there Ferguson is singled out. ## Empire — Ian Nathan Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 19 July 2015. McQuarrie delivers state-of-the-art thrill-making in a classical mould, making this the best in the franchise. The review singles out the elegant, suspenseful set-pieces (especially the Vienna opera sequence) and the return to pure genre entertainment without sprawl or irony. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Todd McCarthy Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 24 July 2015. The critic calls it the second-best franchise entry of the summer after Mad Max: Fury Road thanks to a sharp script with surprises, a nonstop pace, and an absorbing plot that elevates the action set pieces. McQuarrie deepens the drama by isolating Ethan Hunt, with strong praise for Tom Cruise's physical commitment and Rebecca Ferguson's poised performance as Ilsa. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-film-810873/) ## Variety — Justin Chang Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 24 July 2015. Chang calls it an unusually spry and satisfying entry, commending McQuarrie's clever screenplay for its conceptual unity and lightness, along with Cruise's committed stunt work and the film's knowing sophistication. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-tom-cruise-1201547859/) ## Screen Daily Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 24 July 2015. The film succeeds as the most satisfying, gripping and intelligent entry in the series yet, with a strong yarn from McQuarrie, magnificent action scenes and an excellent turn from Rebecca Ferguson that make it a sexy, propulsive thriller. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review/5090914.article) ## IndieWire — Eric Kohn Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 24 July 2015. The review highlights the film's proof that the franchise endures, focusing on its classical spy elements and Rebecca Ferguson's standout role as a refreshing female lead who matches Cruise's energy. McQuarrie's direction brings a tighter, more old-fashioned structure with strong set pieces like the opera sequence. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-mission-impossible-rogue-nation-is-proof-that-some-movie-franchises-wont-quit-60037/) ## Los Angeles Times — Kenneth Turan Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 30 July 2015. Turan praises the polished entertainment and Cruise's vigilant stewardship of the franchise, highlighting the standout physical action sequences and Rebecca Ferguson's mature, substantial performance as Ilsa Faust. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-20150731-column.html) ## Slant Magazine — Christopher Gray Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 28 July 2015. McQuarrie largely maintains the series' kinetic pleasures but is the least distinctive director yet, with blunt editing that weakens some action scenes like the opera sequence; the film excels in visceral thrills and Cruise's commitment to impossible stunts. Ferguson is singled out as the secret weapon for her steely, chaste chemistry with Cruise amid self-conscious commentary on luck versus skill. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/mission-impossible-rogue-nation/) ## The Independent Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 30 July 2015. The critic finds the action exhilarating and the stunts spectacular despite a thin plot and sketchy characters. McQuarrie freshens familiar ingredients from other spy films, with praise for the music, sound design, and Vienna opera sequence. [Read the review](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-movie-review-tom-cruise-50-is-still-like-a-puppy-in-this-relentless-action-soap-opera-10423721.html) ## The New York Times — Manohla Dargis Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 31 July 2015. The critic finds the film sleek and engaging rather than just another clenched-jaw blowout, praising its twists, global trotting, gadgets, and strong supporting cast including Rebecca Ferguson as a capable new addition. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/31/movies/review-mission-impossible-rogue-nation-with-tom-cruise-and-plenty-of-stunts.html) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 30 July 2015. The critic finds the film pretty good overall but not as lyrically inventive as Ghost Protocol, singling out Rebecca Ferguson as the best reason to watch for her cool, formidable presence and fighting skills. It succeeds most when playing straight, with highlights in the motorcycle chase and knife fight, though some sequences suffer from choppy editing and overreaching ambitions. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2015/07/movie-review-mission-impossible-rogue-nation.html) ## Evening Standard — David Sexton Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 31 July 2015. The film is a satisfactory summer blockbuster with genuine tension from Cruise's real stunts, but it is too long, lacks meaning, and grows dull. It matches previous entries without springing many surprises. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-cruising-for-a-bruising-10428307.html) ## Little White Lies — Adam Woodward Rating 4/3/2. 29 July 2015. Tom Cruise's hyperkinetic performance and in-camera stunts are the film's main assets, but McQuarrie fails to give the franchise new ambition or resolve its identity crisis, resulting in an unexceptional entry reliant on legacy elements and a thin plot. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/mission-impossible-rogue-nation) ## Time Out — Tom Huddleston Rating 3/5. 24 July 2015. Ethan Hunt remains a blank, unappealing hero and the plot is uninvolving, though Rebecca Ferguson and Sean Harris provide highlights and the action scenes are tight and effective; overall a diverting but empty blockbuster. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/mission-impossible-rogue-nation) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 2 August 2015. The film delivers relentless action sequences but lacks modulation or narrative shape, feeling like an endurance test despite strong stunts. Rebecca Ferguson stands out as a capable, cerebral femme fatale who outshines others in the cast. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/02/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-tom-cruise-rebecca-ferguson) ## Collider — Haleigh Foutch Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 25 December 2015. The film is the best in the Mission: Impossible series to date and an exceptional sequel that raises the franchise's game. McQuarrie is singled out for his inventive direction, particularly the clear and tense Vienna Opera House set-piece that blends franchise elements without repetition. [Read the review](https://collider.com/mission-impossible-5-rogue-nation-is-the-perfect-action-sequel/) ## Deadline — Pete Hammond Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 27 July 2015. The critic calls it the best in the series yet and the best summer movie of the summer, crediting the smart script and direction by Christopher McQuarrie along with Tom Cruise's impressive action-hero performance. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/2015/07/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-tom-cruise-best-yet-1201485705/) ## Den of Geek — Ryan Lambie Rating 4 out of 5. 24 July 2015. The critic calls it a brisk, hugely entertaining spy thriller with top-notch action direction and imaginative set-pieces that feel fresh. Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust stands out as a welcome, equal-footing addition who delivers some of the film’s best action scenes. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-2/) ## NME — Nick Levine Rating 3.5. 30 July 2015. The critic praises the return to practical, old-school stunts and tense set-pieces along with the infectious camaraderie and Cruise’s charisma. Rebecca Ferguson’s well-rounded, ass-kicking Ilsa Faust is singled out as one of the summer’s great female action leads. [Read the review](https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-various-artists-16194-312049) ## /Film — Angie Han Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 31 July 2015. It is another solid entry that matches predecessors in stunts and introduces a standout new character in Ilsa Faust. The film prioritizes thrilling practical action sequences over deep character or thematic depth but succeeds as entertaining popcorn cinema. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/539074/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review/) ## The Playlist — The Playlist Staff Rating B. 29 July 2015. The film delivers terrific, well-crafted action set pieces and stunts that carry the story, with strong performances especially from Rebecca Ferguson. The convoluted plot is beside the point for an entertaining, self-aware blockbuster. [Read the review](https://theplaylist.net/review-mission-impossible-rogue-nation-starring-tom-cruise-rebecca-ferguson-jeremy-renner-more-20150729/) ## HeyUGuys — Cassam Looch Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 24 July 2015. The film is an overlong yet thrilling action sequel that confirms Tom Cruise's status as a top Hollywood star. It excels in spectacular stunts like the plane sequence but has issues with extended finales and peripheral elements. [Read the review](https://www.heyuguys.com/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review/) ## The Wrap — Alonso Duralde Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 24 July 2015. The review finds it delivers solid popcorn thrills with globe-trotting stunts but notes it goes slightly overboard and falls a bit below the prior entry, leading to some fatigue by the end. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-tom-cruise-simon-pegg-jeremy-renner-alec-baldwin/) ## Digital Spy — Simon Reynolds Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 24 July 2015. The critic finds the film a serviceable old-fashioned summer entertainment with strong adrenaline from its set-pieces and a memorable breakthrough turn from Rebecca Ferguson. It is ultimately hampered by functioning mainly as a showcase for Cruise’s stunts, with story and character development taking a backseat. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a660028/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review-tom-cruises-spy-series-in-need-of-rejuvenation/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-rogue-nation.md