Tom Cruise Goes for Broke in ‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’
An Unforgettable Action Experience
In the heart-pounding saga of Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, facing off against a threat unlike anything before. In “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” which hit theaters this past Friday, the stakes have never been higher. This installment promises to deliver the kind of thrills fans have come to expect, but does it reach new heights or simply tread familiar ground?
A God Complex in Action
Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, seems to possess a bit of a god complex—a notion that grows with each breathtaking stunt he pulls off. However, this time he’s not just up against terrorists; he’s battling a parasitic artificial intelligence that aims to incite nuclear chaos. While this premise raises intriguing questions about humanity’s reliance on technology, the execution sometimes strays into the absurd.
Complicated Characters and Motives
Hunt’s allies have dwindled down to a few trusted disciples, including the previously skeptical U.S. President Erika Sloane, played by Angela Bassett, and the now brooding assassin Paris (Pom Klementieff). This shift in tone might feel out of character, as the series traditionally thrived on a blend of tension and light-heartedness. The gravitas in this film occasionally tips into unintentional silliness, particularly during the first act, where the narrative struggles under the weight of excessive exposition—and one too many flashbacks.
The Stunts that Define the Series
Even if the plot occasionally falters, we can always count on the dazzling, death-defying stunts that have become the hallmark of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Cruise’s daring feats—whether speeding through the streets of Paris on a motorcycle or clinging to the outside of an Airbus—are sure to leave audiences breathless. Unlike franchises that veer into the realm of the unbelievable, Cruise’s commitment to realism keeps audiences hooked. His portrayal of panic and uncertainty is unparalleled, reminding us that even heroes can feel vulnerable.
Standout Sequences
Director Christopher McQuarrie, in his fourth installment of the series, crafts two standout sequences. One involves a nerve-wracking descent into a long-dormant submarine, eliciting genuine squirming in the audience, while the other features classic biplanes soaring at 170 mph over breathtaking landscapes. These moments are undeniably cinematic magic, making the trek to the theater worthwhile—even if they take a while to arrive amidst lengthy narrative setup.
Casting Choices: Hits and Misses
While the film is not short of star power, too many characters clutter the plot. The presence of Hannah Waddingham as a U.S. Navy officer adds intrigue, yet some characters seem to fade into the background, overshadowed by Cruise’s commanding performance. Characters like Simon Pegg’s tech genius Benji and Ving Rhames’ emotionally charged Luther provide solid support, but others struggle to make their mark amid inconsistent dialogue.
A Fitting Finale?
Ultimately, “Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning” feels like a victory lap for the franchise. It’s ambitious, but in attempting to weave together a sprawling narrative, it grapples with coherence. Can it deliver a satisfying conclusion to a beloved series? Saving its best moments for the end may leave audiences on a high note, but it’s tough to shake the feeling that the intricate plotlines may have overshadowed the exhilarating action the series is known for.
Final Thoughts
“Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning”, released by Paramount Pictures, is a blockbuster that balances thrills with occasional narrative missteps. Rated PG-13 for "bloody images, action, brief language, and sequences of strong violence,” it runs a hefty 179 minutes—a journey well worth it for die-hard action fans. Critics might score it two and a half out of four stars, but the immersive cinematic experience more than compensates for its flaws.
In a world where blockbuster films often lack originality, “The Final Reckoning” stands out, reminding us why we love action cinema: it’s not just about the plot; it’s about the thrills, the stunts, and above all, the experience. Catch it in theaters now and dive back into the electrifying world of Ethan Hunt.
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