Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: A Thrilling Ride Or a Tiring Slog?
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Mission: Impossible franchise has consistently captivated audiences with its high-octane action and inventive storytelling. However, with the release of 2023’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, it seemed the series might be veering off course, sending out distress signals that it had momentarily lost touch with its core strengths. Although Dead Reckoning offered thrilling moments like the unforgettable car chase in Rome, marked by comedic handcuffs and a daring dangling train, it also introduced diminishing humor and elevated stakes that somewhat muddled the franchise’s charm. The film’s villain duo—a rogue AI known as the Entity and its dapper henchman Gabriel (portrayed by Morales)—left fans scratching their heads.
Fast forward to Final Reckoning, which seamlessly connects to its predecessor while dropping the "Part Two" label. This film, however, is not the kind of standalone flick you can casually drop into. Even keen fans might find themselves grappling with motivations and plot lines, trying to decipher what ties back to the previous installment.
Plot Summary
Final Reckoning takes a darker turn, embracing an air of gravity that’s in stark contrast to earlier installments that thrived on sheer audacity and fun—think slapstick antics and outrageous plot twists. While prior films brilliantly spun gold from the antics of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) agents led by Ethan Hunt (played by Cruise), Final Reckoning becomes a tedious experience, at times feeling like it’s more about self-referential lore than delivering engaging action.
What Happened to the Fun?
Did audiences genuinely crave deeper lore in the Mission: Impossible universe? Did we need a twist reminiscent of the “Emperor Palpatine’s your grandpop” revelation? The film revisits elements from past entries, including an odd reverence for a knife from Brian De Palma’s original film, treating it like a sacred relic. At times, it feels like a preemptive “In Memoriam”, as the film meanders through wooden performances and meandering scenes that seem to sap its energy.
Action Set Pieces: Hits or Misses?
Despite the film’s pacing issues, it does feature two standout action sequences that remind us why the franchise has endured. The first, an underwater rescue scene, showcases Ethan as he dives deep into peril to locate a missing submarine, featuring a pitch-perfect cameo from Severance’s Trammell Tillman. The second, a heart-pounding airborne sequence in South Africa, exemplifies the franchise’s technical prowess, driving home how Cruise, even in his 60s, continues to shine as an action hero.
However, a glaring issue remains: the film portrays Ethan Hunt as a Christ-like figure, causing a disconnect from the lightheartedness that fans have come to expect. Commenting on Cruise’s impact on the industry, Steven Spielberg once stated that he “saved” Hollywood with Top Gun: Maverick, a sentiment that undoubtedly resonates. But the weight of having to endure nearly three hours of Final Reckoning framing Ethan as a messianic hero is not only exhausting but also misrepresents the breezy fun that has characterized the series.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag
In its quest for depth, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning risks sacrificing the very elements that made it a beloved franchise. While it includes breathtaking action sequences and moments of nostalgia, there’s a pervasive dourness that prevents it from being the exhilarating thrill-ride fans have come to expect. If you’re a die-hard series enthusiast, you might wade through its imperfections, but for casual viewers, it may just feel like an overzealous reflection on a charmed legacy.
For more in-depth insights into the Mission: Impossible franchise, check out Austin Chronicle’s film coverage.
