Rating 6/10
After nearly three decades of Tom Cruise running toward danger like no one else, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning arrives with the weighty promise of being Ethan Hunt’s last ride. While there’s no official confirmation that this is Cruise’s final outing, the title and marketing promise a grand finale.
I am a a longtime fan of the Mission: Impossible series. The last four: Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation, Fallout, and Dead Reckoning Part One, are symphonies of daredevil displays. Those films masterfully blend intricate plotting with breathtaking action and set an impressive bar. With my expectations sky high, I anticipated an explosive send-off. Dear reader, do temper those standards. This is not a bad movie by any means, but it’s still a mixed bag.
Now, let me be clear—this movie has moments that dazzle. Two standout action sequences remind you exactly why this franchise has lasted as long as it has. The first involves a heart-pounding dive into the wreckage of the sunken Russian submarine Sevastopol. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) plunges into the depths to retrieve a crucial device, navigating a claustrophobic, debris-filled environment that director Christopher McQuarrie designed to be as chaotic as possible.
A second setpiece—the signature stunt, which the trailers wisely promote—features Tom Cruise piloting a vintage 1930s Boeing Stearman biplane through totally insane aerial maneuvers. In a jaw-dropping moment, Cruise is seen hanging from the wing of the plane as it performs a barrel roll at high altitude, showcasing his commitment to practical stunts. We get classic Mission: Impossible practical effects, real stakes, and Cruise doing the kind of stuff that makes insurance companies sweat. Together, these two spectacles more than earn the price of admission.
But getting to those scenes? That’s where the production stumbles. The movie clocks in at a punishing 2 hours and 49 minutes—a bladder-testing, butt-numbing marathon that feels like the audience is training for their own IMF assignment. The pacing lags, especially in the first half, which is overloaded with exposition to the point of tedium. Characters constantly explain what just happened and what might happen next. It starts to feel less like a spy thriller and more like a conference call of talking heads. Say hello to a filibuster of explanation layered on top of clarification. Don’t worry if you’ve never seen Dead Reckoning Part One. The screenplay by director McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen assumes you have never even seen a Mission: Impossible picture.
That said, the story does bring in a strong supporting cast to deliver what I call narrative info dumps. However, the actors are still underused. Angela Bassett returns as Erika Sloane, who has ascended from CIA Director to a commanding President of the United States. Nick Offerman portrays General Sydney, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, bringing a no-nonsense edge to high-stakes discussions. Hannah Waddingham appears as a rear admiral aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, exuding a mix of authority and impatience. Tramell Tillman plays Captain Bledsoe, the commander of a secretive U.S. submarine, who plays a role in aiding Ethan Hunt in battling the AI villain known as the Entity. Each actor makes an impression, bringing their charisma to a role that exists to convey exposition and not much else. Meanwhile, Esai Morales returns as the villainous Gabriel—he’s a compelling foil, even when the story sidelines him.
So, bottom line: The Final Reckoning is worth a watch—especially if you’ve been along for the ride all these years. The flashback montages are inserted to delight longtime fans. Meanwhile, the high-octane stunt scenes are pure adrenaline, reminding you why this franchise raised the Hollywood bar for stunts. But when it comes to the overall experience, it doesn’t add up. Compared to the last four entries, this episode is a step down. And if The Final Reckoning really is Tom Cruise’s “final” Mission as Ethan Hunt, I “reckon” it’s sad that the series didn’t go out on a more triumphant note.
05-22-25
One Response
Some very funny lines in your review that are so true, “but numbing” yes! I really felt a connection with the side characters so I didn’t mine most of the dialogue, but yes, too long. Over all, I got what I wanted and enjoyed it. 3 1/2 🌟