Impossible” franchise in electrifying fashion at the Cannes Film Festival, where “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” earned a five-minute ovation thanks in part to Cruise’s commitment to putting breathless and death-defying practical stunts on the big screen.

Refresh for more…This afternoon at Cannes, Tom Cruise made a surprise appearance at a masterclass event celebrating his longtime collaborator, writer-director Christopher McQuarrie. What is it that clicks between Cruise and McQuarrie?

When Tom Cruise‘s name comes up, it’s hard not to immediately think of the Mission: Impossible franchise. The seven films (with the eighth and final one on the way) have firmly established him as one of the most prominent action stars of modern cinema.