Ghost Protocol: Review of Mission Impossible: Fallout

Mission Impossible: Fallout

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

By Alex Watson

The Mission Impossible Franchise seems to have found its perfect duo in Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie. The new effort Mission Impossible: Fallout somehow not only tops the exhilarating thrills of Rogue Nation but also gives this movie an emotional core. Gone are the days of good-natured fun and for the first time ever, The MI franchise seems to be unafraid to explore character depth.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his crew (Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames) are caught in an awkward position after a mission in Berlin goes wrong. Faced with the world's potential destruction from a plutonium bomb, Hunt faces his most perilous mission yet. The re-introduction of old frenemy Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) also complicates matters. Then there is the added problem of the CIA sending handler August Walker (Henry Cavill) to babysit his team.

There has been a sense of this franchise beginning to grow a conscience, Mission Impossible: Fallout is a movie that finally highlights the ramifications of Ethan Hunt's occupation. There is friction aplenty amongst the IMF team-members from the very start. Forced to be partnered with the hulking Walker and chasing a terrorist intent on resizing the world's population through deadly means, to put it mildly, things look very bad. While McQuarrie keeps his dialogue scenes brief and to the point, the sheer amount of thrills speak volumes. Frequently, this franchise finds new ways to provide jaw-dropping set pieces and here, it's on whole new level. A gripping bike chase through Paris, a bathroom fist fight that veers into almost 'Hulk Smash' territory to finally Cruise doing what he does best- running over rooftops! The sixth instalment plays its ace cards smartly and rather than getting lost in an overly complex plot like parts 2 or 3, details are kept to the point at all times Simplicity and entertainment are the key items on the agenda here.

On this occasion there finally seems to be more of an action's have consequences element to affairs. In a rare move, Rogue Nation villain Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) is swept back in to bring a cold and creepy element to proceedings. Lane is the ghosts of IMF past and through his almost whispered dialogue, Hunt's whole world is put into a tailspin. Just what has Ethan gained from accepting all these missions? How do you sleep at night when the world is at stake? The team comradery has never been better and frequently see we scene that demonstrates a deep trust and how far a teammate will go when lives are on the line. The reintroduction of Ilsa is also smartly played, once again remaining morally ambiguous, guessing her motives is literally mission impossible (sorry for the pun). Hunt both needs and mistrusts her in the same breath, but why does she keep crossing him? On his mind is also ex-wife Julia (Michelle Monaghan), which ironically becomes one of the movies key devices late on.

While Mission Impossible: Fallout does lose a few marks for a rather obvious plot twist, it can be forgiven because the last act contains pure excitement. Each MI film has to have one out of this world set piece- it finds it with a midair helicopter battle against stunning mountain scenery. A potential disaster has never looked so beautiful or been this fun before. McQuarrie also finds little moments of joy amongst the against-the-clock feel. Luther undergoing an unlikely bonding session while defusing a bomb is just one of these. The next instalment is going to have one hell of a task bettering this one. This series is now on firm footing and Ethan Hunt can now officially take his place among the very best of franchise heroes.

Tom Cruise shows no signs of slowing down in his twilight years and once more he is unafraid to get physical. Hanging off cliffs, riding bikes at breakneck speeds, brawling alongside Superman- all in days work this guy. Cruise is also able to handle the more human side and show us a glimpse into the troubled mind of Hunt. At heart, the world will always come first but there will forever be a 'what if' surrounding his entire being. Rebecca Ferguson again is able to match Cruise and makes this character impossible to read. Ilsa is becoming a welcome new addition to this franchise. Henry Cavill is also solid support as the big muscled Walker and he adds an air of mystery to his conclusion. Some may have focused on his moustache (which had to be digitally edited out during Justice League shooting), but Cavill once more shows he is a safe bet for a big budget piece.

Mission Impossible: Fallout proves that sixth time really a charm. Cruise and McQuarrie together is becoming the dream team these movies need. Let's just hope its a lucky number seven next time.

All American: Review of American Made

American Made

Director: Doug Liman

By Alex Watson

The second collaboration between Tom Cruise and Doug Liman proves the former Top Gun is still terrific flying a plane. American Made and its subject Barry Seal is the perfect fit for its big star. Throughout we see a man who is always going after the ultimate adrenaline fix. The bigger the danger, the more he thrives on the risk involved. Although it doesn't dig particularly deep, knowing this story is real makes it all the more mindblowing.

Barry Seal (Tom Cruise) is a bored TWA pilot who has a side business smuggling Cuban cigars. Noticing his success, shady CIA agent Schafer (Domnhall Gleason) offers him the chance to 'serve his country'. At first taking reconnaissance photos of Soviet enemies in South America, Seal soon gets an offer from the Medellin cartel to smuggle drugs. Making money and living fast, Seal will begin flying too close to the sun.

American Made feels much like its real-life subject- fast and furious. Constantly running on adrenaline and forever looking to push the envelope, Barry Seal was no ordinary man. Although he has a solid career and a loving wife (Sarah Wright), being ordinary makes him feel restless. Liman fully exploits the wild factor in this movie, both in the air and on the ground. Seal seemingly has no limit to the dangers he will risk. Watching him fly kamikaze style through the trees to make his tiny plane filled with cocaine take off shows his determination. Always on the lookout to up the ante, Barry gets himself into some pretty hairraising situations. Seeing him land in the middle of a suburban street covered in the devil's powder is possibly the most out there moment. When he first meets cartel members Jorge Ochoa (Alejandro Edda) and Pablo Escobar (Mauicio Mejia), there is a wonderful air of subtle menace which carries throughout Liman's film.

The success that Barry attains smuggling is shown as a both blessing and curse. At first, he reveals in the hard living and the cash that flows freely whenever his 'snowbirds' squadron takes the air. With great hilarity we soon learn he is earning so much- he has trouble storing it away. Coming off as an airborne version of Scorcese's 'Casino' soon Seal finds himself getting into all sorts of trouble. Our hero is never shown as a sympathetic figure and his constant need to get his danger fix causes a great strain on his family life. Despite the potential to show a family in turmoil and the stress having a daredevil husband causes, Liman sadly treats his family as a footnote in this outrageous tale. Frustratingly we never really get to fully know Seal as a man. We know he has the business savvy and a distaste to playing by the rules. Outside of seeing the grainy and wiggly home movie tapes, he makes to explain parts of the story- there is no real insight into his motivations.

While American Made flies under the radar when it comes to character development- the thrills it offers make the film soar. There is a sense of impending doom each time Seal embarks on another business venture. What makes us give him respect is how he manages he dodge so many landmines throughout. His Louisiana charm is infectious on many high ranking government officials, lawmen and even Pablo Escobar. When in a tight spot, Seal shows some great brains and quick thinking to get out of trouble. This larger than life tale couldn't have been told any other way. In places, it might feel overblown and we quickly learn that Seal isn't a reliable narrator. Ignore any misgivings and just enjoy the flight.

Tom Cruise has had a rather barren run of form in 2017. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and his disastrous The Mummy reboot were both poorly received. American Made shows that Cruise still has plenty of pulling power and with the right director, he can be wonderful onscreen. Its unlikely he will be rewarded with a first Oscar, but this is still a highly skilled turn. Barry Seal and Top Gun's Maverick Mitchell would have gotten along just fine.

American Made is a story that is just mindboggling! Doug Liman has the perfect pilot for this flight and Tom Cruise makes it fly smoothly. 

Walk Like An Egyptian: Review of The Mummy

The Mummy

Director: Alex Kurtzman

By Alex Watson

Already this summer's worst reviewed movie, The Mummy reboot is a mess that even Tom Cruise can't save. With a poor script and a wonky narrative, Alex Kurtzman doesn't earn any points in the director's chair. The Dark Universe is unlikely to get kick started with this lazy first effort. It also begs the question of needing to reboot this franchise in the first place?

Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) is a US Army soldier who seems more into looting than serving with distinction. Along with his partner Chris Vail (Jake Johnson) and archaeologist Jennifer Halsey (Annabelle Wallis), the trio discovers an old mummy tomb in modern day Iraq. Unfortunately, Nick awakens the power thirsty Princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella) who now sees Nick as her chosen one to bring the god of death to earth.

Possibly the greatest offence of The Mummy reboot is how Kurtzman takes what could have been a solid action/adventure story and turns into a bad rehash of Fatal Attraction. From the very beginning, the story wanders all over the place- Nick's position in the US Army is never explained and we're never quite sure why he hasn't been tossed out? There's also a confusion about how much Kurtzman is playing this for laughs? There's a clear intent to entertain throughout and there is a silliness to everything. This element comes across in some utterly bizarre ways, see the zombie Vail side story which is never as funny as it wants to be.

The introduction of Ahmanet could have been a game changer as she makes full use of her alluring presence. Sadly the movie relegates to her to the role of jealous stalker. Determined to make Nick her sacrifice for the greater good and bring the god Set to reign down destruction, this story has potential. The movie, however, seems more concerned with being another 'Cruise on the run' picture and Kurtzman has his star sprinting all over London. Mixing and match different Dark Universe characters is of vital importance to this picture- so it's no surprise to see Russell Crowe pop up as Dr Henry Jekyll. This does provide some real intrigue as he waxes lyrical about great evils while barely containing his own personal difficulty. When his 'friend' Eddie Hyde is revealed, Kurtzman does give us a great round of fisticuffs for our trouble.

The Mummy really suffers from its lack of focus and most of the story elements feel tacked on. Expecting to rely on heavy thrills, ironically it's this part that is missing the most. Constantly relying on flashbacks and hallucinations to tell its story, we wish the movie would just stick to one course. Though partly a homage to the B-movies of old, no amount of gloss can hide the cracks. Ahmanet should be wreaking havoc left, right and centre, not pining for a man she barely knows. The lack of action in what is supposed to be an action flick is very ironic. Despite some fine individual moments, such as Cruise undertaking a semi-thrilling underwater sequence, there just isn't enough to keep us occupied. Kurtzman is a fine blockbuster writer, but behind the lens exposes his shortcomings. This movie is perfect if you are looking just to disengage and enjoy for a couple hours- just try not to think too hard afterwards.

Tom Cruise does the best with what he is given, but sadly even he is not able to make this enjoyable. Nick Morton is a walk in the park character wise for this guy- especially since he gets to play the attractive ladies man. Cruise brings his regular charm and as usual is a solid presence, just a shame he wasn't required to bring much else. Sofia Boutella makes for a great and menacing villain and brings a nice grace to Ahmanet. Her seductive but dangerous style makes her rise above the riff-raff in this piece and presents an actress who is quietly making a name for herself. While Boutella is memorable, Annabelle Wallis comes off worse with a poorly written do-gooder role which has little persona outside her telling off Tom Cruise.

The Mummy will most likely generate enough revenue for a sequel- the big question is do we really want one? Maybe someone should give Brendan Fraser a call just in case!

Hit The Road Jack: Review of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Director: Ed Zwick

By Alex Watson

The First installment was an accomplished ride with plenty of thrills. With Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, new director, Ed Zwick (who also directed Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai) comes the closest to capturing Reacher's book persona. Many complained loudly about Tom Cruise's casting as the ex-army man, but this movie only proves what an inspired choice he was. Despite a great Cruise turn, a poor central story fails to give audiences the same kind of excitement.

When Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) assists the army in apprehending a wanted suspect, he makes the acquaintance of Major Susan Turner. When he makes a visit to D.C he finds that Turner has been arrested for espionage. When he starts digging deeper into the case, Reacher suddenly finds himself accused of murder. To clear his and Turner's name he busts her out of jail and goes on the run. Soon it becomes clear that this corruption plot cuts close to home.

Zwick kicks start Jack Reacher: Never Go Back in terrific style as we open on Reacher alone in a diner with four men lying beaten up outside. Sipping his coffee without a care in the world, our hero then proceeds to inform the smug sheriff that in the next 90 seconds a phone will ring and he will be the one wearing the cuffs. His early phone calls to Turner (who has become his replacement in the military police) wouldn't look out of place in a new age romantic comedy, when he finally fulfills his promise of visiting her in Washington, that's where Zwick decides to change tracks. When he discovers that Turner has been arrested, his old detective instincts kick in and quickly it becomes clear that something fishy is going on. When they attempt to arrest him for the murder of Turner's lawyer, his suspicions are swiftly confirmed.

Aside from a lot of scenes featuring this man running around, this sequel does pose a question as to how men like Reacher really survive? This film introduces 15-year-old Samantha (Danika Yarosh) who may or may not be Reacher daughter. Throughout the picture we see him playing protector to this young troublemaker while wrestling with his inner conflict. Years of drifting around have given this guy a lack of ability to settle down, could this girl be key to living a normal life?  He argues constantly with Turner and Samantha on their road trip and struggles to keep his cool. His reasons for abandoning the army are still ambiguous "I woke up one morning and the uniform didn't fit" he tells Turner in the beginning. His former employers have also laid a nasty surprise for him as a clause in discharge allows them to reactivate him and also arrest him.

Despite being a fun and entertainment blockbuster, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is let down by a weak central plot involving a dull corruption scandal involving military contractors led by General James Harkness (Robert Knepper). While surprises lie around every corner, they fail to excite quite like The Zec plot line in the first film. When the action switches to New Orleans, even setting the last act during the annual Halloween celebrations doesn't provide sufficient enjoyment. Instead, we are stuck watching Reacher and company hopping across rooftops trying to evade the least threatening blockbuster villain The Hunter (Patrick Heusinger) who seems to do little more than just wear black and beat people to a pulp. Ed Zwick does his best but cannot match the stellar work that Christopher McQuarrie brought us last time. Though this character seems to be making his presence felt on the big screen and we can expect another outing for the 'Ex-Major'.

Tom Cruise is what gives this Zwick's movie its strength and when it comes to anchoring big money projects, look no further than this guy. Many die-hard Reacher fans complained he was too small to play this guy but Cruise captures his gruff attitude and hard-nosed detection and Never Go Back feels like he wearing the shoes comfortably. Mission: Impossible might still be his calling card, but with enough time Jack Reacher could be equally strong.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is a good ride if you just want some big screen fun, but Lee Child fans might not be so pleased.

Five Great Racing Movies

Senna (2010 Dir: Asif Kapadia)

The life of Ayrton Senna was no ordinary thing and in 2010 British director Asif Kapadia finally shed light on one of F1's finest. Treading a fine line, Senna shows its subject as both hero and villain who although one of the finest drivers of his time was at times one of the most stubborn. Best of all, it goes deep into the Brazilians psyche and undercovers a deeply conflicted soul. Possibly the finest movie that motorsport will ever produce.

Rush (2013 Dir: Asif Kapadia)

Winner of this blog's Film of The Year in 2013, Ron Howard finally succeeded in bringing an excited F1 movie into the 21st century. Replaying the sheer drama and chaos that was the 1976 season, the battle between playboy James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and calculated Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) was captivating. Effortlessly capturing the drivers vastly different persona's, it also brought forward the painfully recover of Lauda after his fiery crash at the Nurburgring. Live action racing has a front runner.

Le Mans (1971 Dir: Lee H Katzin)

Steve McQueen's love of Le Mans was well known throughout his life, so who better to star in a motion picture version. Story wise there is little other than McQueen looking his trademark cool self, but on the track is where the picture really sizzles. Driver Michael Delaney is still guilt-ridden over the death of a rival but the thriller of racing is still an addiction. Drawn into a battle with rival Erich Stahler, the pair of do battle on for the crown of sportscar racing.

Grand Prix (1966 Dir: John Frankenheimer)

Before Rush, this picture was considered the pinnacle of F1 films by director John Frankenheimer. Demonstrating the kamikaze feel of racing in the 1960's, star James Garner makes for an interesting centerpiece as American Pete Amon. A former star who is fading away, Amon has competition from world champion Jean-Pierre Sarti (Yves Montand) and recovering team Scott Stoddard (Brian Bedford). Featuring cameos from greats Stirling Moss, Juan Manual Fangio and Graham Hill, Garner was the real star as he did all his own driving which drew admiration for many drivers.

Days of Thunder (1990 Dir: Tony Scott)

Tom Cruise and Tony Scott's second outing together may have unimpressed critics, but the action on the track is still great. This may be Top Gun in a Chevrolet but together Cruise and Scott make you want to attempt Daytona on impulse. The early action scenes between hot shot rookie Cole Trickle and underhanded champ Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker) set up the late drama. However, it is his rivalry with cocky new boy Russ Wheeler (Cary Elwes) that provides the real interest. Try watching the final Daytona 500 sequence with grinning from ear to ear.

Back In The Saddle Again: Review of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

By Alex Watson

After an uneven last couple of outings, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation restarts this franchise in breathtaking style. Making a stunning opening with the now notorious shot of Ethan Hunt hanging from an airplane, director Christopher McQuarrie shoots to thrill. Although continually ringing the box office bell, critics were quick to point out signs of wear in this spy series. The after effect of the IMF team's fifth adventure is that we are now eagerly anticipating a sixth outing.

After the IMF is dissolved by CIA chief  Hunley (Alec Baldwin), Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must now contend with an enemy group named 'The Syndicate' led by Solomon Lane (Sean Harris). Along with fellow agents Benji (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames) and Brandt (Jeremy Renner), Ethan faces a tough fight against an organization intent on causing chaos worldwide. Not to mention the tricky business of ambiguous agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson).

From the beginning of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, McQuarrie quickly gets down to business. Throwing aside any temptation for drawn out narrative or lengthy back stories, the former writer turned director sets about just making a great thriller. Any logic flaws in the story are happily overlooked during a stunning first act set against the opera in Vienna. Watching Ethan Hunt involved in a fight while hanging above a stage as 'Nessun Dorma' is in full swing is bound to broaden smiles all around. Paced to perfection cleverly following the sheet music to the crescendo, this moment is but a snapshot of what is to come later.

More than anything, this fifth installment shows that it hasn't lost its ability on the set piece front. One sequence has Ethan diving into secure underwater server beneath a Casablanca power station to retrieve a super secret red box file. This act is presented beautifully and as Ethan runs dangerously low on oxygen, we hold our breath with him. Not one to hold back, McQuarrie follows this up with one of this year's finest car chases. This moment proves everything effective that a chase should have, including some witty lines. Seeing the exasperation on Benji's face when Ethan asks if he is wearing a seat-belt is priceless. "ARE YOU ASKING ME THAT NOW!" he bellows while the car flies backwards through the air.

What perhaps makes Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is the mystery surrounding it. On dual duty as both writer and director, McQuarrie succeeds in creating a wonderful uneasy feel. What exactly are 'The Syndicate'? And why does Ethan obsessed with pursuing them? Ilsa however, is the biggest puzzle piece of all. Continually throughout this adventure we find ourselves assumptions about this woman stumped. An irresistible presence and a magnificent femme fatale character, Ilsa is possibly the closest that this series will come to a co-anchor. As a villain, Solomon Lane has presence and his icy chill he brings along with it is truly stirring.

Tom Cruise once more proves that the Mission Impossible series definitely belongs to him. In a performance that is self-assured and surrounded by an easy cool like his first installment, it demonstrates that Ethan Hunt still merits a place in the film world. Rebecca Ferguson nearly steals the film from under Cruise in a sizzling turn. A bold and sexy presence, Ferguson marks the strongest female presence in the series so far. The chemistry between the two runs like a charm and we can only hope she returns in future installments.

Finally the Mission Impossible series has found the right formula and style that makes it successful. Previous efforts have tinkered with a number of ideas (including a Limp Bizkit opening track) and has remodeled Ethan Hunt. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is a simple and basic thriller that only wants to entertain. More of the same next time please!

7 Great Movie Cameo's

Kevin Spacey (Se7en)

From the very moment that Spacey enters David Fincher's dark classic, he is a force to be reckoned with! Making an eye bulging and blood soaked entrance in a police station, calmly saying "You're looking for me!" he then proceeds to play a dangerous game of psychological cat and mouse with Mills (Brad Pitt). Through Spacey's ice cold front and delivery, one of the great cameos was born!

Alec Baldwin (Glengarry Glen Ross)

The most impressive element to Alec Baldwin's appearence as foul mouthed Mitch & Murray man Blake, is that he blows away legends such Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris and Kevin Spacey in a single scene! Demonstrating a cutthroat attitude, Baldwin is one of the movie highlights and the business' intent to only keep two employees is made abundantly clear "first prize is a Cadillac El Dorado. Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired. Get the picture?"

Alice Cooper (Wayne's World)

One of the more off the all cameos on this list- but the legendary rocker's appearance in Mike Myer's comedy classic still hit the funny mark! Doing a sly nod to Cooper's brainy nature and his love of facts and trivia, the next few minutes leave us stunned and impressed! If you didn't now anything about the city of Milwaukee (other than the Brewers), then now is the time to pay attention! Does this guy know how to party?

Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver)

Scorsese has often showed just how effective he can be when he appears in movies (look up his starring role in Quiz Show). But as the creepy passenger in the back of Travis Bickle's (Robert De Niro) cab, he has a startling effect on proceedings. Demonstrating a man so pent up with anger he is practically bursting at the seems, Scorsese ranks second only to Bobby in terms of effectiveness! What would a movie about this guy have been like?

Chuck Norris (Dodgeball)

The genius of the noted action star's cameo, is that although it is short and sweet, it has a pivotal outcome on events! This may well be the finest 'acting' of Chuckie's career. All together now, "Thank you Chuck Norris!", "Thank You Peter!"

Tom Cruise (Tropic Thunder)

When Tom Cruise plays against type, he can be stunning to watch- as fat, balding and foul mouthed producer Les Grossman, the result was people lying on the floor in stitches. He continual tirades produce of the most original and profanity laced rants that has ever graced the silver screen, "Now I want you to step back and literally FUCK YOUR OWN FACE!!!" Cruise produces one of the more memorable cameo's of the last decade- if only for his dancing to Flo-Rida!

Christopher Walken (Pulp Fiction)

The kind of bizarre yet awesome acting, his solitary appearance as Captain Koontz in Tarantino's noted movie is a masterclass. In one scene he brings about his typical zany feel mixed in with some great feelings of compassion as he recalls his often painful Vietnam experience- and just where he kept Butch's (Bruce Willis) father's gold watch for two years. When this man comes on screen, expect the unexpected!

5 Great Job Quitting Scenes

American Beauty 

As Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) boredly stats to his boss "For 22 years, I have been a whore for the advertising industry." But his exit is a masterclass is skillful blackmail and his ever increasing glee at the fantastic upper hand he holds over his smug boss, makes our hearts sing. This should serve as a prime example for anyone who has dreamed of going out will all guns blazing!

Wanted 

We have all had a boss like super bitch Janice, the kind who exploits the limited power she has over you to a level that borders on bullying! So when Wesley (James McAvoy) finally releases his pent up anger, he unleashes a speech that all of us have rehearsed in our minds over and over again! Also, he teaches us how a keyboard is a useful tool when dealing with any asshole 'best friend'

Fight Club 

 The Narrator (Edward Norton) sits down to what he hopes will be an formal job chat/extortion with his boss- but things don't go to plan he decides to get creative! What follows next is both a shocking yet awe-inspiring as his boss can only watch in horror as Ed beats himself to a pulp! Truly 'Jack's Smirking Revenge!'

Reality Bites

Out of all the job exits, Winona Ryder's one has to be the most original! Routinely belittled and insulted by self serving morning TV host Grant Grubler (John Mahoney), she decides to get revenge on him in the coldest way possible. Presenters take note, never mess with the intern who organizes your cards. You never know what they might decide to write down!

Jerry Maguire 

Sports agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) has recently had a crisis of conscience and it has resulted in him losing his clients and his job that he once held so dear. But as he departs, he makes sure that goes out in a desperate yet utterly rousing fashion (along with a Goldfish in a bag). He may make us squirm, but when that one person reaches out to him, our hearts soar!

Three Best Ice Bucket Challenges

Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara & Entire Cast/Crew of Pan

Out of all the ALS Ice Bucket Challenges, this one had the most party atmosphere to it as Hugh Jackman, taking centre stage brings basically everyone but the Janitor into frame to accept the challenge! Now that's what you call an interesting work day!

Tom Cruise & Chris McQuarrie

The long time collaborators founded themselves challenged by Jackman & Co to undertake the challenge- but as they point out most the crew isn't there so they decide to take the hit for them. Have to say for sheer determination these two do well, you almost feel their strain by the end!

Steven Spielberg

From the varying reactions on show, the legendary directors one was the most cool and collected (except for maybe Chris Hemsworth, though we are still waiting for JJ Abrams to dump the bucket over his head!