I think you hit the nail on the head with the word "escape" to describe this movie. America as an empire (not necessarily as a country) is on the decline. An unnamed country is kicking our ass in a proxy war. We've sanctioned ourselves into 1970s stagflation. Right now it seems every time we as a nation get up we punch ourselves in the dick.

There is no better time than now for a throwback action movie with an old-time-bona-fide movie star. Credit to Cruise for knowing his trade and remaining a Hollywood top gun (see what I did there?) for 40 years.

I haven't seen the movie. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate either your review or the movie on its financial merits. Your review was excellent. I don't have plans to see the movie any time soon (if ever), so my judgement is out on the content.