Photo via imdb.com
By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Just when you thought nothing could top the last “Mission: Impossible” film, this stunning spectacle somehow takes the franchise to the next level. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is the eighth and possibly final film of the series featuring Tom Cruise, but his age defying stunts will make audiences thirsty for more. From his iconic sprinting to his remarkable fight choreography, Tom proves he has a lot more left in the tank.
Picking up right where “Dead Reckoning” left off, the rogue AI program called the Entity has been busy, infiltrating government systems of nuclear nations. Its purpose is to sow paranoia among these countries to force them to preemptively launch their nuclear bombs against each other. Desperate to avoid a nuclear war, U.S. President Sloane (Angela Bassett) elicits the help of the only agent who has tangled with this malevolent AI, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise).
Equipped with a potential lead on obtaining a kill switch for this AI, Hunt scrambles his usual team of Benji (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames), and Grace (Hayley Atwell) to come up with a plan to outmaneuver the most intelligent sentient program on the planet. With the shadowy mercenary Gabriel (Esai Morales) still out there and very loyal to the Entity, the odds are stacked against Ethan and his team. As governments enter a staring contest with their fingers poised above the nuclear strike button, not even time is on their side, which may make this mission too impossible.
Director Christopher McQuarrie has accomplished his own impossible mission by somehow making this sequel better than the last one, which was its own incredible cinematic event in 2023. At a runtime of nearly three hours, McQuarrie does a terrific job keeping the pace fast with very few moments of drag, while still putting in the time to unravel the complex plot. Whether it’s scenes of intense suspense like the exploration of a wrecked submarine precariously perched on the edge of a vast chasm or scenes of adrenaline pumping action like Tom Cruise hanging on for dear life to a mid-air biplane, no expense is spared to deliver non-stop entertainment. In fact, at an estimated budget of around $400 million, it makes it one of the most expensive movies ever made.
While this is a direct sequel to “Dead Reckoning,” McQuarrie incorporates details and flashbacks from all previous films, especially the very first one from 1996. Those worried about being lost from not seeing all movies of the franchise, or simply not remembering, do not need to fret, because the director seamlessly incorporates a montage of key events leading up to this movie to get everyone up to speed. However, he gives a nod to the fans of the series who have been present from the beginning by inserting more subtle easter eggs from the past. With stunning cinematography, elaborate set pieces around the world, realistic fight and stunt choreography, and award caliber visual and sound effects, McQuarrie turns this into the cinematic marvel of the summer.
It’s been nearly 30 years since Tom Cruise first became Ethan Hunt, and he saves his best for last. With undeniable screen presence and emotional depth, his self-confidence elevates this character into a credible force that takes over the screen. His passion is contagious regardless of how he is perceived in the real world, and yes, he still performs his own stunts even at age 63. And don’t overlook his dramatic efforts, which provide touching, heart-wrenching moments.
Without the presence of Rebecca Ferguson, who has appeared in the last three “Mission: Impossible” movies, Hayley Atwell is the clear benefactor, and she grabs hold of the opportunity to shine. She exudes confidence, exploring the depth of her role and exhibiting natural chemistry with Tom Cruise. In fact, Atwell teases a romantic connection between her character and Cruise’s without fully crossing that line, tantalizing viewers without becoming an action movie cliché.
It’s rewarding to see Ving Rhames one more time alongside Cruise, the only other castmate to have starred in all 8 films of the series, as well as Simon Pegg, the comedic actor who has appeared in the last six movies. However, one of the best surprises is Tramell Tillman, who plays the captain of an aircraft carrier. His performance is naturally electric with a commanding screen presence, holding his own next to the likes of Tom Cruise. Flawless and charismatic line delivery makes his otherwise minimal role stand out from the rest, which should not come as a surprise to fans of the TV series “Severance” on Apple TV+.
It doesn’t get any bigger, any more exciting, any more satisfying than this adventurous action thriller. “Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning” is meant to be seen in the theater on the biggest screens multiple times if you can afford it. If this is the final “M:I” production, a debt of gratitude is owed to Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarry for this incredible send-off, which could very well be the best this summer has to offer.
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