Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning: A Last Resort for Cinema’s Future
The Big Screen Experience at Cannes
Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, the eighth installment in the beloved franchise, opened during the glamorous Cannes Film Festival on May 14, cementing its place as a highly anticipated cinematic event. However, as we stand in 2025, it raises the question: Can this action-packed spectacle genuinely save the future of cinema?
Traditionally, Cannes selects films that elevate the big-screen experience, and with cinema under threat, the festival embraces offerings like this one—blockbusters that draw audiences with a promise of thrills and adventure. While the decision to feature a franchise entry might have seemed like a gimmick a decade ago, today, it feels like a collective yearning for escapist cinema. As Tom Cruise strutted down the red carpet, the crowd welcomed him with open arms. Whether loved or loathed, Cruise remains an unmistakable figure in Hollywood, and with this film, he aims to champion the ideation of cinema’s revival.
Cruise’s Vision vs. The Reality of Final Reckoning
Cruise’s fervor for the cinematic experience mirrors his character, Ethan Hunt, who persistently battles the odds to save the world. However, one has to wonder if such optimism about cinema’s revival is entirely realistic. Directed by franchise veteran Christopher McQuarrie, Final Reckoning embodies the quintessential blockbuster—it’s grand, visually arresting, and ambitious. Yet, it falters where it matters most: the narrative.
The script is laden with cumbersome exposition, designed for easy digestion. The dialogue buzzwords—“The Rabbit’s Foot,” “The Anti-God,” and “The Doomsday Vault”—linger awkwardly in the air as the plot lurches forward in erratic motions. For anyone confused by the events of the previous installment, Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One, fear not; this film provides sufficient hand-holding to catch you up during your next snack break. Isn’t that just the cinematic experience we crave?
A Plot Overview: Stakes and Stumbles
Continuing directly from where Dead Reckoning Part One ended, our hero Ethan Hunt finds himself in jeopardy for—surprise—refusing to follow orders. Goaded by the pain of his past as he seeks revenge for his wife’s death, he is tasked with neutralizing a formidable AI entity known as the Entity. To succeed, he must dive into the icy depths of the Arctic to retrieve a mysterious artifact called the Podkova, which hilariously resembles an outdated cassette.
Yet, there’s a catch: the Poison Pill, a vital component of this mission, resides in the hands of the cunning villain, Gabriel (Esai Morales), who relishes in his impending power over the Entity. Ethan’s team, including the ever-reliable Benji (Simon Pegg) and the resourceful Grace (Haley Atwell)—who seems to exist primarily to swoon over Ethan—add depth to the narrative landscape, but sadly, the film grossly underutilizes their potential.
Visuals and Stunts: A Saving Grace?
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning does offer some redeeming qualities. The exhilarating biplane chase, a visual treat soaring through the green countryside, stands out as a testament to what cinema should aspire to be: a visceral experience that transports the audience beyond the mundane. This segment offers a glimmer of joy, showcasing tangible stunts rather than relying on abstract threats presented by a vague antagonist.
Cruise, consistently impressive, portrays an Ethan Hunt who remains taut with muscle and determination, sporting his boyish grin even during higher-stake moments of peril. A thrilling training montage highlights his relentless dedication, reminding viewers that while the stakes feel impossibly high, Cruise still embodies the heart of action cinema.
The Verdict: A Wild Ride, Not a Savior
While Final Reckoning encapsulates the essence of a summer blockbuster, it is merely one type of film in the vast cinematic universe. Cinema, in all its forms, possesses a unique power to enchant and inspire. Yet, as Cruise heroically attempts to save the world from a digital apocalypse, one cannot help but feel that the film falls short of the monumental task of rejuvenating an industry.
In a world laden with uncertainties about cinema’s future, there’s comfort in knowing that even in its flawed glory, Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning can still evoke cheers from audiences—critics and fans alike. Perhaps, just perhaps, if Cruise can resolve the impeding AI doom using his makeshift gadgets, then there’s hope yet for the big screen experience.
As the credits roll, one thing is certain: the fate of cinema cannot rest on the shoulders of one man, but we’ll root for our cinematic heroes all the same.
