Never watched any of them.
Yes, definitely, but it’s one of the weirdest action movie series certainly of our time. The tone changes basically per movie, but it’s all (except the second) unusually old-fashioned in how it just wants to be an espionage blockbuster. Not much characterization, few overarching plot lines (they tried to bring one in with the last one, but even that is fairly standalone), just stunts, action, and absurd twists that are still entertaining. They’re kinda what Bond used to be—indeed, other than the special effects, I could see most of the
M:I movies being made in the ’60s.
The first one offers a few big action sequences, but fewer than the sequels—Brian DePalma directed, and it’s mostly a Bondian/Hitchcockian spy thriller. Again, not too much action and a different mood from the rest.
The second overcompensated by just blowing stuff up and was pretty boring for it.
The third was the first where the series, as a semi-coherent series, takes off, introducing a reappearing set of characters. Entertaining but forgettable.
The fourth is much the same way, but I enjoyed it more. These movies all tend to blend together because they’re all alike.
The fifth shakes things up (a little bit). We get twists on the formula(a lovely one in the beginning), a Bond-level baddie for Cruise to go up against, and pure Hitchcockerie to the point of plagiarism (in a good way). A rollicking adventure and still my favorite of the series.
The sixth, released last year, is probably the first truly memorable-by-itself entry since the first. The action is dazzling, even to someone (like me) who gets bored very easily of action, and we actually feel the stakes—unlike the others, which are fairly mindless popcorn movies. The action is so good that one may not realize how many flaws the picture has (one incredible action sequence is completely pointless, the surprise villain is unbelievably obvious), but it’s still a good movie, even if not deserving of the accolades it got.
So there ya go! Keep in mind that they’re all (other than 2) fun, and designed for that, and you’re in for a good time.
