The inaugural film of a billion-dollar franchise, helmed by an esteemed director and featuring a renowned star, is set to grace BBC screens tonight (Monday).

Mission: Impossible, which debuted in 1996, marked the beginning of a saga that concluded only last year. The often-overlooked original, inspired by the iconic 60s' TV series, was directed by Brian De Palma, the mastermind behind classics like Carrie and The Untouchables, and starred Tom Cruise as the super-spy Ethan Hunt.

Despite criticism for its complex narrative, the film was a box office sensation upon release and, in many respects, laid the groundwork for subsequent instalments. Among the face-swapping antics and action-packed sequences, it's the heart-stopping scene of Hunt infiltrating CIA HQ that remains a timeless classic.

The film also boasts a stellar cast, including Jon Voight, Henry Czerny, Emmanuelle Béart, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Vanessa Redgrave. In the plot, Hunt endeavours to expose the culprit who framed him for the murders of his Impossible Mission Force (IMF) team members.

Despite garnering mixed reviews, Mission: Impossible emerged as a significant success and the third-highest-grossing film of 1996.

The dance remix of the original theme song by U2's Larry Mullen Jr and Adam Clayton even charted in the top ten internationally and received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.

The film holds a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes amongst critics. Radio Times remarked: "It's best to forget the complicated plot - something about Cruise clearing his name and proving to the CIA he's not a treacherous mole - and simply enjoy the epic rollercoaster ride that De Palma brings to life with his customary brilliance."

The Arizona Republic praised it, saying: "The movie is spectacular but believable, exciting yet cerebral. It has enough twists and fakes, double-crosses and sneak attacks to keep your mind spinning."

That said, not every reviewer was impressed. The Boston Phoenix offered a stinging critique: "Tortured and implausible plotting, strained banter, contrived set pieces, overwrought and tedious technology, and a frenetic but wooden narrative can't conceal the film's essential emptiness and confusion."

Yet cinema-goers have been far more enthusiastic. One fan enthused: "Great movie, was definitely building up its character for something even better. Tom Cruise is amazing in any action role, and this is evidence of that."

Another gushed: "This is definitely one of the most underrated films. It features great action, combined with suspense and well-developed characters. The plot twists are something almost no other M:I movie has been able to replicate, and the black vault break-in scene is amazing, even if the stunt doesn't compare to others in the franchise. It is a great movie and a great start to the Mission Impossible franchise!"

A third warned: "While the first Mission Impossible certainly knows how to deliver the thrills within its action sequences, it is a shame the same could not be said regarding its rather convoluted plot and some of its characters lacking any sort of depth."

Mission: Impossible is airing tonight (Monday) on BBC Three at 10pm.