At this point, the “Mission: Impossible” flicks are part science fiction considering Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) ability to survive any fall, crash and combat sequence. That’s just fine because “Fallout” delivers the popcorn goods as summer starts to wind down.

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt and Henry Cavill appears as August Walker in the summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” (photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

Shootouts, chase scenes, double crosses and ticking time bombs. The Impossible Missions Force, or IMF, sure does take on those (dare I say) impossible tasks other agencies either shy away from or can’t quite figure out. And of course, Agent Hunt never turns down a mission, and has a winning track record to match. That is until he fails to retrieve three plutonium cores, which end up in the hands of The Apostles, the remaining members of the rogue agents trying to shape the world behind the scenes in the previous film “Rogue Nation.”

Ethan always has a plan, but now the CIA doesn’t trust him, so Director Erica Sloan (Angela Bassett) sends her own man, Agent August Walker (Henry Cavill) along for the second attempt to ensure the nuclear components are permanently removed from play no matter what. Standing in their way, however, is former ally MI6 agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), whose motivations remain unclear. And somewhere in the mix is “Rogue Nation” nemesis Solomon Lane (Sean Harris), but figuring that out is half the fun.

All the pieces are set for another espionage romp, including team members Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), tired of playing the computer nerd waiting in the van and ready for more field work, and Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), who’s been around since the beginning.

One of the film’s primary strengths is its unexpected turns, accentuated by deceiving trailers. The story travels far, and even adds a splendid layer of depth to most characters involved. And new character White Widow (Vanessa Kirby) best appear again, though her brother Zola (Frederick Schmidt) is a real tool.

“Rogue Nation” was the first “M:I” film in some time to present an engaging villain. Sure, the generic “world order” bit is tired, but his role as a strategist to be outsmarted, not merely killed, made for some wonderful twists. The villain here is a central figure in The Apostles, whose identity remains unknown. But when that reveal occurs, we experience a villain just as engaging, perhaps a touch more complex in motivation too.

Rebecca Ferguson appear as former MI6 agent Ilsa Faust in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” (photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

Now, let’s get to the most important matter at hand: Cavill’s mustache. This enchanting lawn of hair caused a lot of anxiety during reshoots of “Justice League” last year because Paramount’s contract would not allow Cavill to shave it off. We almost got a mustachioed Superman folks, and the world is lesser for not getting it. Back to that stache. It’s a glorious sight, almost as glorious as Cavill is cut (seriously, his workout videos are inspiring). This might be a Cruise film, filled with insane stunt on top of insane stunt performed by the 56-year-old star, but Cavill is quite the standout here too.

And we can’t forget to mention Ferguson, who continues to own her role in these films. But honestly, she needs her own spinoff. She’s too good to be a simple love interest or sidekick. “Rogue Nation” gave her a more compelling storyline, peppered with playful banter and clever action scenes. With the exception of the final showdown, her role is underwhelming.

Finally, there is Cruise himself. Laugh at his antics on “Oprah.” Criticize his terrible “Mummy” reboot. Even wonder what his personal life is like. But the man is a well-oiled, movie-star machine. He rarely headlines bad movies (though it does happen), and he commits to his roles. The acting isn’t always life changing (though “Magnolia” might wreck you), but he remains consistent and continues to put his body at risk all to create some spectacular action sequences. Bless him for that.

Rankings wise, “Fallout” is on par with the franchise’s top dog “Ghost Protocol.” Director Christopher McQuarrie (“Jack Reacher,” “Rogue Nation”) just created his best film to date, and the idea of another “Mission: Impossible” film sounds less redundant and more like a surefire exercise in cinematic satisfaction.