Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: A Thrilling Sendoff?

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As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve witnessed Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, and his Impossible Mission Force team save the world on numerous occasions over the past two decades – a fact that “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” aims to underscore for its audience. This apparent conclusion to Ethan’s story balances nostalgia-inducing elements with effective narrative construction, wrapping it up in heavy, apocalyptic political intrigue and pulse-pounding action scenes. It undeniably excels at each of these aspects.

In awe once more, I find myself enthralled by the unbeatable duo of Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie, who have crafted yet another summer blockbuster that sets the bar sky-high for action movies. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning pushes boundaries in ways few films can match, taking us to dizzying heights (and abysmal depths) that will undoubtedly leave other productions scrambling to catch up. Although the series may have shed some of the classic spy movie charm present in its earlier installments (particularly the more intimate debut by Brian de Palma), there’s no disputing the adrenaline-pumping excitement and nail-biting suspense crammed into every single moment on screen.

Although the studio and filmmakers strategically omitted “Part Two” from the title, it’s clear that this movie is indeed a continuation of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”. Viewers about to watch “Final Reckoning” in theaters should be prepared to refresh their memories by revisiting the previous film. Essentially, Ethan Hunt is in hiding, possessing the pivotal key from the last movie that’s vital for thwarting the Entity, a formidable AI antagonist that has insidiously infiltrated every digital corner, manipulating nuclear weapons and amassing an unexpected following.

From the get-go, the situation is dire as Ethan and his group have a narrow window to devise a strategy to outmaneuver the Entity and thwart its chief disciple, Gabriel, played by Esai Morales with a heavy dose of menacing flair. Ethan’s longtime pals Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames) return, joined by new allies: Paris, who was once an adversary (Pom Klementieff), and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis).

Additionally, Grace, Hayley Atwell’s masterful pickpocket, makes her reappearance. For fans eagerly anticipating a second shot at Captain Carter for Atwell, this performance will undoubtedly satisfy the craving. Atwell and Cruise share an impressive on-screen chemistry that lends a personal touch to the action, raising the stakes. As ever, Hunt prioritizes the safety of his team over global salvation (though the two often coincide), and this is particularly evident with Grace.

With Hunt’s team delivering impressive performances, the ensemble cast is a powerhouse of character actors who truly savor their lines. Notable members like Nick Offerman, Holt McCallany, Charles Parnell, Janet McTeer, and Mark Gatiss excel as part of the president’s inner circle, employing subtle to exaggerated performances that intensify each scene. Additionally, Angela Bassett delivers a top-notch performance (as always) as the President herself. Henry Czerny returns as Kittredge, along with Shea Whigham as Briggs, making Ethan’s job even more challenging. And to add even more star power, Katy O’Brian from ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, and Sydney Cole Alexander from ‘Severance’ join in for brief roles.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that among the sidekicks, Hannah Waddingham from “Ted Lasso” truly shines, adopting a rigid Naval Admiral persona that hides her British roots. On the other hand, Tramel Tillman from “Severance” delivers an equally captivating performance as a submarine captain, balancing playfulness with a no-nonsense attitude. These two are simply delightful to watch, although their characters don’t offer much depth beyond their unwavering commitment to the cause. I would have loved to see more of Waddingham, but the fast-paced narrative doesn’t allow for it, focusing mainly on Cruise.

In this film, the dialogue among the characters when confronting a life-threatening predicament is packed with familiar tropes. However, instead of being annoying or overly clichéd, these elements serve to accelerate the plot, inject excitement, and enhance the overall enjoyment. The movie, titled Final Reckoning, seems to embrace these clichés wholeheartedly, and it’s the sincerity that makes it work effectively. This sincerity is also reflected in the film’s humor, which is plentiful and strategically employed to complement the action, endear the characters, and keep the narrative flowing. In some instances, like during an early jailbreak scene, you don’t even need dialogue for a good laugh – just the expressive faces of the characters are enough.

In this movie, the action is nothing short of thrilling. Cruise consistently pushes boundaries to achieve outstanding outcomes, and Final Reckoning continues his high-risk approach without any signs of slowing. The editing in the film might be its hidden strengths, as it skillfully intertwines multiple scenes, making them feel as if they’re unfolding simultaneously while heightening each sequence. Except for a chilling underwater scene that triggers fears of confined spaces, deep oceans, and submerged machinery, the score adds a thick layer of suspense.

Although many aspects of “Final Reckoning” are enjoyable, the fast-moving plot and concluding a whole series of films may not please everyone entirely. The editing is filled with references to earlier installments, and the way it jumps back to past events, particularly in the first part, can appear somewhat disorganized at times. In contrast to the classic espionage and covert operations that characterized “Mission: Impossible” in its initial phases, “Final Reckoning” abandons those elements entirely. There’s no equivalent to the Black Vault heist from the first film, where silence was crucial. Even the series’ famous masks are used sparingly and then not seen again. Those expecting a spy movie might be disappointed in this regard, but it doesn’t detract from the quality of “Final Reckoning.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout stands out as a remarkable achievement. It serves as an exceptional farewell for the film franchise that catapulted Tom Cruise into stardom beyond the silver screen. The movie’s harmonious fusion of breathtaking action and compelling narrative sets a challenging standard for future action blockbusters, though it might be tough to surpass the extraordinary feats displayed in these films across almost three decades. Their most impressive scenes are frequently imitated, yet never truly replicated. Whether this is indeed the last Mission: Impossible film or not remains uncertain, as titles with ‘Final’ in them don’t always mark the end. The mission concludes only if we decide to accept it.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opens in theaters on May 23rd.

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2025-05-14 23:04