Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt is back in the 8th Mission Impossible film, The Final Reckoning, the direct sequel to 2023's Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. The two films originally marketed as the closing act of the franchise, may perhaps not be the end after all as Final Reckoning leaves a level of ambiguity. Whilst we cannot review as if this where the final film there is a reminiscent quality, references sprinkled throughout and a rather impressive opening montage that provides a quick run-through of the previous seven films, helpful for those that may have missed a film or two, yes. But also, a fantastic way to set the scene, begin the tension building and raise the stakes. Because although it's unclear if Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is the end, it's clear on its impressive stuns, huge scale and prominent massage. Read on for my full review: spoilers ahead. 

Mission Impossible has always focused on threats to humankind, throwing Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team into perilous situations, Final Reckoning opens months after the previous film, with Ethan in Possession of the cruciform key. Now President of the United States Erika Sloane (Angela Basset) calls for hunt to hand himself in, believing whoever has the cruciform can control the AI known as the "Entity", stopping its goal to cause the end of mankind. The film offering a poignant message about the dangers of too much power and control. Whilst challenging the ever-growing popularity of AI, and the uncertainly around how reliant we may become on such an unknown entity. In one scene Hunt makes a reference about 'spending too much time on phones' a clear rhetoric on how information online can influence and how easy it is to become "trapped" within technology. Throughout the film, "the Entity" is terrifyingly able to set nations agent one another with a particular focus on the nuclear powers (a theme reflective of current global tensions) Cold War style. The threat of nuclear destruction hanging over the narrative and reiterated throughout with montages of the weapons themselves. 

Dead Reckoning continues this messaging on technology behind the camera, in a huge showcase of production design. The film features two impressive action sequences, the effects where possible are practical, the stunts in Tom Cruise style are really happening rather than CGI fest. It makes all the difference, especially in the first of the two stunt sequences, which places Cruise in a rotating set and this is after an already daring ocean dive. Director Christopher McQuarrie pulls off this impressive lengthy and nail-biting under water sequence without one piece of dialogue. It is truly thrilling. The second set piece see's Hunt chasing through the sky after villain and "Entity" ally Gabriel (Esai Morales) in a daring yet for my taste slightly too long chase sequence.  Knowing that these stunts truly took place make the sequences two of the best action scenes of all time. There is an unparalleled authenticity to Mission Impossible films which leave you tense, sweaty and full of adrenalin, nothing compares. 

McQuarrie plays around throughout the film with flashbacks, and interweaving story strands ensuring maximum stakes and tension. As Hunt jumps from planes in the sky his team: Grace (Hayley Atwell) a new joiner in Dead Reckoning but now a central player, Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames) the team veterans, Paris (Pom Klementieff) who thankfully takes on a larger role this time and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis) who joins Hunts team turning his back on the US Intelligence at the start of the film. All of whom need Hunt to reach Gabriel in order to complete their mission. Thus, ensuring the saving all of humanity to be near impossible. Which is the beauty of the film, of all mission impossible films, to defy the odds, to do the impossible. The poignant narrative, daring stunts and fantastic cast performances are heightened by the undeniable genius that is the score. This time provided by Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey who take over from Lorne Balfe. A score that is so full of themes each as iconic as the next, which is unsurprising when so many of the greats: Danny Elfin, Hans Zimmer, Micheal Giacchion and Balfe have all added their talent into the mix. 

Overall, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning would be a wonderful Swan Song if this were to be the final instalment in the franchise, full of reminiscent moments that bring an element of sentimentally to the narrative. Yet it's impossible high stakes and perfect execution leave me wanting more, after all no one quite does an action film like Tom Cruise and no other action franchise is as thrillingly iconic as Mission Impossible. A wonderful display of talent, a film on an epic scale that perfectly captures current global fears. If this is the end, what an impressive way to go. 

Thank you for reading.