Synopsis: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.
Change is not something that humans handle very well. Unfortunately, it becomes more evident as people and technology advance and evolve. Whether it’s new people to an area, a new religion, new businesses, new ideas, or technological advancement, people lose their shit when they don’t understand something. Now, there is cause for concern in some instances when a change results in a displacement of locals rather than bettering their quality of life. However, if something such as new tech can be easily taught and learned, we should find a way to use it to our advantage. I understand the hesitation because as social media did, it can change the way we see and approach every aspect of life since everything is potential content to someone. Nevertheless, the future is happening before our eyes and you can either learn to harness it and coexist, or fear and rebel.
“None of our lives can matter more than this mission.”
Blockbuster summer has arrived and this just might be the one to stand triumphant among the rest. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is absolutely incredible. This film is what other action franchises strive to accomplish and or be. It’s unbelievably intense, the storytelling is intricate, the stakes are high, topical, and grounded, and the stunt coordination is nearly unmatched. If the film had to be personified, it would be the bigger and more sophisticated older brother of the Fast franchise. This seventh installment will have you on the edge of your seat fully enthralled by the fantastic story, the terrific cinematography, amazing performances, and just how real the plot could be. The hype is very real, and if they are able to match the same level of execution for Part Two, we’ll have to start referring to Tom Cruise as Mr. Blockbuster. It’s grandiose, thrilling, and masterfully crafted. For now, this is the live-action blockbuster of the year.
“Whoever controls the entity, controls the truth.”
To answer your second question, no, it is not necessary to see all of the previous 6 films in order to enjoy this one. Would it make it more enjoyable so you can fully understand all that Ethan Hunt and his team have been through? Yes. However, as long as you’ve seen a few of them, you’ll be just fine. Your first question was answered above. The movie is fire and definitely worth spending a few extra bucks seeing in an IMAX or Dolby theater. This monumental motion picture marvel has heart, action at every turn, and a perfect ending to set up its other half. However, since this a half of a whole story, it may be difficult to fully judge it. But it does offer us a beginning middle and end that does feel quite as open-ended as some other films.
While there are a few tiny issues that stick out such as the rapid romantic infatuation, there isn’t anything glaring enough to cause a distraction or break the spell that the film will have over you. The twists and turns are of epic proportions, Hayley Atwell completely dazzles, Cruise continues to raise the bar on what it means to be an action star, Pom Klementieff’s chaotic performance is my favorite, Esai Morales is incredibly menacing, and the duo of Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg continuously keep things light and interesting. Technology plays an enormous role throughout the story and in a way that will have you questioning our near future in the most curious and terrifying of ways. This is not a film that you want to wait until it hits Paramount+. Its size and scale can only be truly appreciated on the biggest screen possible with seat-rumbling sound. It has everything you’d want in an action movie and more. Oh, and the huge stunt that we’ve all seen advertised is more important to the story than you’d think. I enjoyed every second of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
The pacing of this film is masterfully executed. Even while flirting with a 3-hour runtime, the action thriller’s length is no issue. What popped for me was the immensely tense third act. My cheeks were definitely clenched as things came to a head in a destructive fashion. Also, there’s a claustrophobic alley scene that features one of my favorite shots of the movie.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt, Cary Elwes, Mark Gatiss, Indira Varma, Rob Delaney
The performances are phenomenal from top to bottom. Tom Cruise still has an abundance of Ethan Hunt to give. It’s especially evident as he continues to risk his life doing jaw-dropping stunts paired with the look in his eye. At this point, Ethan might be his actual code name and these movies are just retellings of secret missions that he’s done. That’s the level of dedication that explodes off the screen. The addition of Grace (Hayley Atwell) couldn’t have been more perfect. Her charm, charisma, and mystique match that of Hunt; in fact, she steals many of the scenes she is in regardless of who she shares them with.
Paris (Pom Klementieff) is probably the second most terrifying character in this film. Not only is she ruthless, stunning, and deadly, but she’s deadly quiet as well. Her refusal to speak makes her that much more intimidating. Number one on the terrifying list is Gabriel (Esai Morales). He’s quite possibly the biggest threat that Hunt will ever face and there’s history between the two. However, Kittridge (Henry Czerny) is possibly the most interesting figure of them all. I don’t know if he can be trusted.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One releases in theaters on July 12, 2023. Remain safe and have an analog backup.
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 43m
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Writers: Christopher McQuarrie & Erik Jendresen
Producers: Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie
Executive Producers: David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Tommy Gormley, Chris Brock, Susan E. Novick
Director of Photography: Fraser Taggart
Editor: Eddie Hamilton
Music: Lorne Balfe, Max Aruj, Kevin Blumenfeld, Adam Price, Bobby Tahouri
Stunt Coordinator: Wade Eastwood
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is absolutely incredible. This film is what other action franchises strive to accomplish and or be.
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GVN Rating 9
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User Ratings (1 Votes)
9.5