‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Review – An Epic End Of An Era

Synopsis:

Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

I think Luther would agree that change doesn’t happen without sacrifice. Whether that change is internal, interpersonal, or global, progress requires effort. Believe it or not, that effort is collective and singular, mental and spiritual, physical and emotional. It requires openness, optimism, and a full commitment. Sacrifices come from changing habits and altering your mindset and outlook to advance the good. Woefully, depending on the level of change, in some instances, the ultimate sacrifice may become necessary. Unfortunately, while you are sacrificing for the greater good, some wish only the best for themselves and the worst for others, doing the same in the name of selfishness. Fortunately, as bleak as things may get, good eventually prevails.

“The whole world’s in trouble, Ethan.”

When the world needs him most, Ethan Hunt is only a self-destructing message away. The mission is always possible, just not for any of us. But could this be the last? Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an epic end of an era. The stakes have never been higher, and the consequences of failure couldn’t be more dire. This eighth and possibly last installment in the franchise is the culmination of over twenty-eight years of thrills, danger, peak action, and seven previous films. Connecting the memorable and unexpected, MI8 makes every other mission more significant than previously thought. The Final Reckoning is not only star-studded with breathtaking and mindblowing stunts, but it’s also timely. This spectacular grand spectacle is an edge-of-the-seat feast for the senses and a perfect end to the franchise.

While we deal with misinformation and disinformation, AI manipulation, and just general distrust of anything that doesn’t come from our echo chamber in our reality, MI8 tackles the result of our arrogance, fear, and hubris. As Ethan Hunt and his team attempt to do the impossible, themes of sacrifice, selflessness, bravery, teamwork, trust, and self-confidence are highlighted. Picking up two months after MI7 as governments search for the Cruciform key that Hunt has hidden with him, The Entity continues to invade every dangerous and influential piece of technology throughout the world. A world war is the least of our worries when it can manipulate the best minds into annihilating the human race. Not to mention, Gabriel is still at large, working alongside the AI. It’s the ultimate race against time where lives are lost, new bonds are made, and everyone risks it all.

“If there was another choice, I’d take it.”

The film is beautifully and incredibly shot. The claustrophobic and expansive underwater shots stand out in its cinematography as well as its intensity. The running shots make it seem as if Cruise has superhuman speed to match his superhuman fearlessness witnessed during the airplane stunts. The great performances heighten the already tense situation, and as the pressure mounts, you can’t help but imagine this being a possible reality if we don’t change. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is unflinching in its messaging and is just as much a horror film as it is an action one. While its ending leaves the possibility open for more films in the future, this chapter is officially closed. It does have its unbelievable moments that can be distracting, but that is really the only gripe. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

As the film details a story that incorporates characters and impactful moments from seven previous films, the runtime pushes three hours, but is paced incredibly well. While not having as much action as missions that came before it, it’s overflowing with drama of the highest form and panic that increases by the minute. What popped for me was the topical insight. Don’t get too blinded by the stunts and star power, the film has something to say.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt

It goes without saying, Tom Cruise was made for this. From the moment he dropped down from that ceiling in 1996, he solidified himself as a star. With each MI film, that star has only gotten brighter. Whether it’s the unflinching drive and commitment to the role of Ethan Hunt or the stunts that come along with it, Cruise’s shoes can’t be filled. Ethan Hunt is easily the blueprint for every action hero that’s come after him. While the ageless one is the focus, the film also takes time to give his support team the love and attention they deserve. The genius of Luther (Ving Rhames), the expertise of Benji (Simon Pegg), the craftiness of Grace (Hayley Atwell), the badassery of Paris (Pom Klementieff), and the faith of Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett) are all on display. There are also those that will become new fan favorites, like Tramell Tillman’s Captain Bledsoe and Greg Tarzan Davis’ Degas. If there is some kind of spinoff or continuation in the future, they have a few characters that could carry it.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning releases in theaters May 23, 2025. Stay safe and stay woke.

Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 51m
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Writers: Christopher McQuarrie & Erik Jendresen
Based on: the Television Series Created by Bruce Geller
Producers: Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie
Executive Producers: David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Chris Brock