"Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning" Review: Cruise Stumbles in Franchise Finale
If "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning" marks Tom Cruise’s final sprint as Ethan Hunt, it’s a bittersweet send-off indeed. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, this installment attempts to tie together a beloved franchise, but ultimately feels lackluster, meandering, and overly self-referential.
A Meandering Prelude
The film kicks off with a nostalgic supercut of Ethan Hunt’s past adventures, categorized by love interests and villains. While intended as a celebratory homage, this montage sets an auto-pilot tone, making it painfully clear that the movie leans heavily into its own legacy. This franchise has never shied away from self-referential storytelling, but here, the effort to connect past threads comes across as clumsy rather than clever.
Retconning the Narrative
"The Final Reckoning" ambitiously attempts to turn previous plot lines into a tapestry of foregone conclusions. Some of the retcons may even delight devoted fans, cleverly weaving together the franchise’s intricate backstory. Yet, this tactic often diminishes the film’s tension, which has long been a hallmark of the series. The beautifully choreographed stunts and nerve-wracking suspense become secondary to the weight of “destiny.”
The Allure of Action
At its heart, the magic of "Mission: Impossible" has always rested in Cruise’s ability to flip the narrative between reality and fantasy. The franchise excels in blurring the lines between fate and free will, with Hunt’s courage forever pitted against the odds. Previous films certainly grappled with similar themes, but McQuarrie’s direction lacks the once-urgent momentum of the series, especially when it leans on lengthy dialogues dispensing dry moral musings.
A Shift in Tone
An intriguing element emerges in the form of The Entity, a rogue A.I. hell-bent on sparking global destruction. While on paper it sounds thrilling, the narrative turns toward bureaucratic discussions and boardroom tensions feel more reminiscent of classic political dramas than the high-octane thrills audiences crave. Strikingly, the franchise that has defined itself against such dreariness now seems to emulate it.
Action Set Pieces: A Mixed Bag
Despite its dramatic pivots, "The Final Reckoning" harbors some jaw-dropping sequences. Scenes such as a chaotic chase involving a biplane are reminiscent of the franchise’s stellar action roots. Yet, the villain (Esai Morales) lacks the gravitas needed to elevate these encounters, often reduced to a cartoonish caricature. When the dagger-thrusting action does kick in, it holds all the excitement of its predecessors — but crucially, it feels insufficient for a film that runs 160 minutes.
A Puzzling Character Evolution
Fans of the franchise will find familiar faces amongst the cast, yet their roles seem strangely diminished. Ving Rhames’ Luther is a shadow of his former self, and Simon Pegg’s Benji tends to overact, stripping away the loved qualities that previously characterized them. They are caught up in a convoluted plot that introduces new characters, but shifts the focus away from the beloved original team we’ve come to adore.
Emotional Underpinnings
While "The Final Reckoning" ventures into darker territory, it grapples with emotional stakes that feel alien to its predecessors. Scenes once characterized by glib levity and devil-may-care bravado are suppressed under a weight of somber tones, making the film feel less like a grand adventure and more like a lecture. What was once a rich exploration of Ethan’s sacrifices and personal stakes is now muddied by an overwhelming sense of despair.
Conclusion: A Lackluster Farewell
While the climactic moments deliver some thrills, the overall effect leaves much to be desired. The journey of Ethan Hunt may culminate here, but one can’t help but feel that Cruise and McQuarrie missed the chance to craft a truly memorable finale. There’s a vaguely satisfying conclusion, but it’s ultimately overshadowed by the film’s heavy-handed themes and lack of fun.
Grade: C
“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” hits theaters on Friday, May 23.
For anyone hoping for a final brilliant installment in this iconic series, it may be best to view this film through a lens of nostalgia, rather than as a standalone triumph. Want to hear more about what’s happening in the film world? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reviews and insights on your favorite films!
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