Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning marks the eighth chapter in the long-running action spy saga, directed by Christopher McQuarrie and co-written with Erik Jendresen. Picking up after the events of Dead Reckoning (2023), the film reunites series regulars Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, and Angela Bassett. This time, Ethan Hunt and his IMF team face their most formidable threat yet: a rogue artificial intelligence known only as the Entity and they race against time to stop it from taking over.
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First off, beginning with the positives, just like its predecessors, The Final Reckoning maintains a relentless pace despite its hefty 171-minute runtime. Remarkably, it never feels bloated or overindulgent. From the opening moments, the film plunges into high-stakes action and never lets up, balancing explosive set pieces with tightly wound tension. It’s thoroughly intense—inside and out—with every scene serving a purpose, keeping the audience gripped and the momentum unyielding from start to finish.
Furthermore, as expected from a Mission: Impossible film, the action is nothing short of relentless and meticulously crafted. Two major sequences stand out: one involves Ethan diving into deep waters to reach a submerged submarine—a harrowing, claustrophobic set piece that will rattle anyone with thalassophobia. The other is the climactic biplane chase, teased in the trailer, featuring yellow and red aircraft in a breathtaking aerial duel. Both scenes are executed on a grand scale and deliver edge-of-your-seat intensity and cinematic spectacle.
On the story side of things, The Final Reckoning leans into emotional territory, which feels appropriate for what’s being positioned as the final chapter. There are moments that genuinely pull at the heartstrings—scenes of sacrifice, reflection, and loyalty that give the film a more grounded emotional core. However, the central premise—a rogue AI threatening humanity—is one we’ve seen explored in numerous sci-fi and action films.
It’s a familiar concept and doesn’t feel especially menacing. Still, what the story lacks in novelty, it makes up for in treatment. The pacing, tension, and personal stakes surrounding the AI threat are handled with care, creating a palpable sense of urgency that carries the film forward. It’s not the most original Mission: Impossible storyline, but it’s delivered with intensity and sincerity that keep you invested. When it comes to performances, the whole cast does a solid job. While the supporting characters don’t get standout moments, they work well as an ensemble—exactly the kind of tight, efficient team we’ve come to expect from the Mission: Impossible series.
But unsurprisingly, it’s Tom Cruise who steals the show. He’s always been the king of jaw-dropping action, but in this film, it’s his emotional performance that really hits. There’s a weight to Ethan Hunt this time around that Cruise plays beautifully. Honestly, when the credits rolled, I felt a bit sad. If this really is the end of the road for Mission: Impossible, it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into those shoes. Cruise isn’t just a great action star—he’s in a league of his own, and this film is yet another reminder of that.
Technically speaking, The Final Reckoning delivers everything you’d expect from a Mission: Impossible film—and then some. It’s built for the big screen, with jaw-dropping practical effects that remind you what real cinema feels like. The sound mixing is especially sharp, amplifying the tension in every action beat, while Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey’s score adds emotional depth and momentum. Fraser Taggart’s cinematography is equally impressive, capturing both scale and intensity with a sleek, cinematic flair.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning may not reinvent the wheel, especially when it comes to its central villain—the Entity, while conceptually timely, lacks the personal menace or presence that made past antagonists more memorable. But what the film lacks in villainy, it more than makes up for in heart, scale, and sheer cinematic craft. If this truly is Ethan Hunt’s last ride, it’s a fitting farewell: thrilling, emotional, and unmistakably Mission: Impossible. It’s a big, bold goodbye and a reminder that no one does it quite like Tom Cruise.
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