The Tom Cruise starrer Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning is described using multiple genres, one of which is ‘adrenaline rush,’ a sensation that the audience feels throughout the film. All good things come to an end, and so does this mind-blowing espionage saga. Agent Ethan Hunt’s journey has been nothing short of a glorious adventure, from chaos to control. Here’s what the finale has to offer to its beloved fans…
Story: The Entity, initially designed as a hacking AI for enemy hardware, goes rogue, threatening mankind after the Russian submarine, Sevastopol, sinks deep in the ocean while testing it. It can be controlled only after being overridden by its original source code. After getting hold of the two-piece cruciform-shaped key, Ethan (Tom Cruise) determines to destroy the artificial machine to prevent its potential misuse if it lands in the wrong hands. From breaking numerous rules to betting his own life, the IMF (Impossible Missions Force) agent puts everything at stake to fulfil his “destiny.”
Review: The finale of this action spy film series begins right where it left off in The Dead Reckoning (the first of this two-part movie and the seventh installment in the Mission: Impossible film series). As per the plan, to eliminate the Entity, Ethan needs to find Gabriel (Esai Morales), who has direct contact with the AI. The story establishes how a few intentional errors by the protagonist led him to this point, where the world is merely a few days away from the end. The movie takes you on a touching montage run and explains how much the IMF agent has had to sacrifice in order to save the world, and yet every time he ended up (unknowingly) doing something that has pushed the world to the edge of ruin.
The nostalgia
From action to emotion, The Final Reckoning leaves no stone unturned to deliver everything a fan would expect. Along with the spectacularly crafted action sequences, the latest outing pays homage to many characters that have had a special significance in Ethan’s life, including many co-agents and his wife, Julia (Michelle Monaghan). Director Christopher McQuarrie has cleverly created an engaging screenplay alongside writer Erik Jendresen that unravels how pivotal moments from various timelines have guided not only our beloved agent but several other key personalities of his story to this point, ultimately leading them to cross paths. A lot of scenes are interesting and nostalgic, while some are devastatingly shocking. Either way, the story serves as a flavourful treat for the fans!
Visual delight
From the picturesque locations to innovative stunts, witnessing the magic on the silver screen is a visual delight for the audience. Cinematographer Fraser Taggart and editor Eddie Hamilton brilliantly support a fine plot on one hand, while the apt amount of scenic and stylised special effects make it an experience to remember on the big screen.
The genre-defining action
It’s impossible to talk about Mission: Impossible and not mention the almost unrealistic action sequences, which, by the way, are all real and have been performed by Tom Cruise himself. The Dead Reckoning witnessed the actor setting a benchmark with his death-defying stunt that sees him riding a motorcycle off a 1,200-meter-high cliff. Meanwhile, the latest part of this film series sees him walking and jumping off a biplane midair in real time. As an audience, it makes you gasp for breath sitting in a houseful auditorium of an otherwise vacant theatre. It displays the fandom for a film franchise that has given the spy action genre a whole new definition. Meanwhile, the iconic ‘Tom Cruise run’ comes as a pleasant bonus when you see the actor chasing through the nooks and streets in different parts of the globe.
Brilliant performances
From the Mission: Impossible veterans to the new additions, every character in the film appears to have their own little journey serving their key purpose and creating a perfect ensemble. Alongside the brilliant writing and direction from the makers, the actors’ performances add an extra star to the movie. Angela Bassett, Pom Klementieff, Hannah Waddingham, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Rolf Saxon, and Lucy Tulugarjuk play key roles and make their presence count. As always, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg come across as the crucial plot-anchors with their special features and devotion towards the mission. Hayley Atwell comes across as a breath of fresh air as a new IMF agent with her distinctive trait.
Tom Cruise
It’s difficult for the audience to shift their focus from Tom Cruise to any other actor in a film that mainly rests on his shoulders. Even though the best of this high-action drama is a result of the joint effort of all the actors together, the Hollywood action star’s unique persona sets him apart from the rest of the cast. The legendary actor not only performs the real-time stunts, but also appears crying, laughing, longing, and terrified many a times in the film, moving the audience with all kinds of emotions. To a regular cinephile, it’s easily describable in words, lines, or perhaps over a paragraph. However, to the die-hard Mission: Impossible fans, it’s inexplicable.
Verdict: As mentioned at the beginning of this review, the film is packed with elements that drive the audience with an adrenaline rush. The interesting plot, including elements like Artificial Intelligence and a potential international war, seems so relatable that it’s scary. It makes Tom Cruise’s latest offering unique and appealing to the masses. From great character arcs and brilliant performances to the mind-bending stunts and visual effects, the conclusion of this genre-defining saga is legendary and should not be missed.
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Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning
Watch In: Theatre
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Writers: Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen
Cast: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Angela Bassett, Pom Klementieff, Hannah Waddingham, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Rolf Saxon, Lucy Tulugarjuk, Esai Morales
Rating: 4 stars
