By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
High octane action sequences, a complex plot with interweaving subplots, and white knuckled suspense are just some of the highlights that exceed lofty expectations. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is the seventh film of the franchise yet it appears to only be improving. This particular storyline appears on the surface to be more science fiction, but in our current technological climate, may be more real than we realize.
With the threat of an incredibly dangerous weapon that can corrupt the most advanced computing systems falling into the wrong hands, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) brings his IMF team back for their most important mission yet. Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) work feverishly with Hunt to track down this potentially world ending weapon. Grace (Hayley Atwell) is a thief who picks the wrong pocket at the wrong time and becomes immersed in this frantic chase that takes on a horrific dimension when they learn they’re up against a sentient AI program gone rogue.
Lethal mercenaries like Gabriel (Esai Morales), Paris (Pom Klementieff), and The White Widow (Vanessa Kirby) along with a host of government agents all stand in Hunt’s way to capture and control this incredible weapon for wealth and power. Ethan’s commitment to keeping his team safe is put to the ultimate test as the mission supersedes any one life.
Directed and co-written by Christopher McQuarrie, “Dead Reckoning Part One” is the third “Mission: Impossible” film in a row he has helmed, with “Rogue Nation” and “Fallout” being the previous two. As in those two films, he successfully crafts a complex story that is enthralling, not to mention very topical for the current times. The idea of a sentient Artificial Intelligence corrupting data systems is a very real threat with the field of AI exploding in growth in recent years. This makes for a realistically scary and relatable plot that many believe could be an omen of things to come.
Using stunning visual and sound effects along with impressive cinematography, McQuarrie creates dazzlingly spellbinding action sequences that glue the audience to the edge of their seats with their eyes refusing to blink for fear of missing a millisecond of the thrills. Even though this is the seventh film of the franchise, he somehow takes an already superb allotment of films to another level. There is a car chase scene in Rome that ranks high among the best ever filmed with adrenaline inducing cinematography. Incidentally, the car chase zooms down the famous Spanish Steps, which has been prominently featured in two other films already this year, “Fast X” and “Book Club: The Final Chapter.” At a runtime of nearly three hours, this is the longest film of the franchise, but the frenzied yet unhurried pace of the action makes the time fly.
As exciting and fun as the movie may be, McQuarrie does overlook some noticeable flaws. The character development is lacking a bit, particularly among the villains and side characters, making them more one-dimensional. Among the characters that are better developed, he mistakenly forces them into situations that has them go against their previously demonstrated nature. For instance, there’s a scene in which Grace runs into a physical confrontation with the antagonist even though her character had been established at that point to escape and flee dangerous situations. That being said, these are very minor grievances that only prevent it from being the perfect action film.
It’s been 27 years since Tom Cruise first starred as Ethan Hunt in this franchise, and only Ving Rhames has appeared with him in all seven films. At 61 years old, one would think Cruise is too old to continue playing this part, but they would be dead wrong. He doesn’t seem to be slowing down one bit, continuing to perform outrageous stunts himself with a charisma that is unrivaled. He has confirmed, however, that “Dead Reckoning Part Two” will be his final film in this iconic role, which is slated for release next year.
There were a couple of other notable performances from Hayley Atwell and Pom Klementieff. Atwell, who played the title role of TV’s “Agent Carter,” was captivating as the wily pickpocket used to working alone only to be thrust in an unwelcome situation where members of a team had to rely on her. Klementieff, best known for her role as Mantis in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, shows incredible acting range as the maniacal antagonist in this production.
From Abu Dhabi to Rome to the Austrian Alps, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” takes audiences on a wildly entertaining ride that will leave them breathless with stunning vistas as the backdrop. The heart-pounding tension and explosive action make this a highly entertaining film that shouldn’t be missed on the big screen. As many franchises tend to get stale these days, this one is accelerating towards a monumental climax you won’t want to miss.
This movie earns:
