FIRST TEN ZEN: “Mission: Impossible” (1996)

We've seen it all before, haven't we? At least, we feel like we have every time a new blockbuster sequel, prequel, or reboot surfaces for its big theatrical run. Arguably the best ones stay true to the spirit of the original while giving us something new and meaty to keep us going along for the ride. But even if the original isn't well received, if it's able to rake in money at the box office, it's almost guaranteed there will be another film on the way.

One such film, Mission: Impossible, was both popular and successful. In this First Ten Zen analysis, we'll examine the first ten pages of three different script drafts (from screenwriter David Koepp's website), which were excellent blueprints for the 1996 spy thriller blockbuster.