“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” Review: Stunts Thrill, Exposition Falls Flat
A Cinematic Journey Through Time and Action
A Dramatic Entry
Tom Cruise’s iconic character, Ethan Hunt, first graced our screens in 1996 with a heart-pounding chase that saw him clutching a high-speed train while dodging a helicopter. Fast forward to the current installment, “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” and our hero arrives at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, amplifying the anticipation around this cinematic showdown.
At the premiere, a devoted fan approached Cruise with a Chihuahua dressed in a pink sweatshirt emblazoned with his face. The infectious excitement in the air was palpable, capturing the essence of a film that, despite its flaws, continues to draw fans into its thrilling world.
Cannes: A Star-Studded Affair
Cruise’s third visit to Cannes had an electrifying atmosphere, reminiscent of a triumphant homecoming. He took nearly half an hour to traverse the red carpet, making sure to acknowledge every fan along the way. This is a man who understands the value of its loyal audience, embodying the burden of an era when theatrical experiences mattered.
Prior to the screening, a DJ set the tone by juxtaposing dance-floor classics with remixed versions of Lalo Schifrin’s pulsating theme, reflecting the joyous yet tense undertones of what was to follow.
Could This Be the End?
The film begins on a solemn note, featuring a three-decade-spanning montage of Cruise’s career that feels like an Oscar tribute in its own right. President Erika Sloane (voiced by Angela Bassett) pays homage to Hunt’s relentless pursuits, acknowledging the origins of the franchise on May 22, 1996. However, this tone remains throughout the nearly three-hour runtime, often overshadowing the light-hearted adrenaline we’ve come to expect from the series.
Complex Narratives & Weighty Dialogues
“The Final Reckoning” brings together a complex narrative, but the excessive exposition drags down the pace of the film. Instead of engaging dialogues, we are bombarded with premonitions delivered like bullet points, resembling a dry group research project. Even the film’s superb cinematography, courtesy of Fraser Taggart, can’t quite rescue it.
Connections to the Past
This installment is unique among the Mission: Impossible films, requiring viewers to remember the previous entry, “Dead Reckoning Part One.” In this sequel, the all-knowing AI villain, the Entity, plots humanity’s demise, making it imperative for audiences to engage mentally while simultaneously facing the weight of expectation that comes with such a beloved franchise.
Stunts that Dazzle
Despite its narrative shortcomings, the film boasts incredible death-defying stunts that are the hallmark of the franchise. One standout moment features Cruise diving alone into the depths of the ocean, pushing the limits of what an action sequence can achieve. This underwater sequence left viewers breathless, capturing the essence of cinema in a way reminiscent of classics like Titanic.
Final Thoughts: A Bittersweet Send-Off
While “The Final Reckoning” has its moments of triumph, it frequently struggles under the burden of its heavy exposition and convoluted plotlines. Still, Tom Cruise remains a magnetic force, effortlessly embodying the flawed hero we love. As Ethan Hunt survives the unthinkable and faces impossible odds, we are reminded that, regardless of the movie’s flaws, the thrill of watching him in action continues to draw us in.
Infobox
“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning”
- Rated: PG-13, for sequences of strong violence, action, bloody images, and brief language
- Running Time: 2 hours, 49 minutes
- Release Date: Friday, May 23
As fans cheer on, “The Final Reckoning” will undoubtedly keep the adrenaline pumping on the big screen, even if it doesn’t secure its place among the best in the franchise’s illustrious history.
