Picture this: a high-octane action saga that kicks off with promise but starts to fumble its way through the middle, only to rocket back into brilliance right at the finish line. That's the rollercoaster ride of 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' – a film that leaves you torn between frustration and exhilaration. But here's where it gets controversial: is this latest installment a victim of franchise fatigue, or is it cleverly weaving in nostalgia to deepen the experience? Let's dive in and unpack it all, because there's more to this story than meets the eye.
HuffPost is bringing this review back into the spotlight now that 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' is available for streaming on Paramount+.
One thing that's always stood out in the 'Mission: Impossible' series is its refusal to follow the crowd. Unlike the massive Marvel universe, where every movie ends with those tantalizing post-credits teasers that have us buzzing for months, these films have no such scenes. It makes total sense – each adventure feels self-contained, with no need for homework like rewatching prior installments or brushing up on obscure characters. For over 30 years, the franchise has bucked the trend of interconnected cinematic worlds and their signature end-of-film surprises, keeping things refreshingly simple and standalone.
Yet, 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' helmed by writer-director Christopher McQuarrie, flips that script in almost every other aspect. It comes across as a diluted version of those sprawling universes, one that demands you know the ins and outs of the entire saga – from throwaway side characters to long-forgotten plot devices. The result? Possibly the most underwhelming entry in the 'Mission: Impossible' lineup to date. That said, its jaw-dropping final sequence manages to salvage the whole thing, turning potential failure into a memorable triumph.
Paramount Pictures and Skydance
The storyline in 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' is so convoluted and irrelevant that summarizing it feels almost pointless. In the broadest terms: a self-aware artificial intelligence dubbed The Entity – first introduced in the 2023 film 'Dead Reckoning' – has plunged the world into turmoil by inundating the internet with false information. Amidst political bickering and imposed martial law, it escalates by infiltrating global nuclear arsenals, poised to eradicate humanity unless it gains dominion over the planet.
With mere days to avert cataclysm, Ethan Hunt, portrayed by the indefatigable Tom Cruise, and his elite Impossible Mission Force crew embark on a worldwide quest to avert disaster. This entails retrieving a submerged nuclear sub from the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean, which holds The Entity's core programming, followed by a climactic confrontation in a fortified bunker deep in South Africa.
Now, this setup doesn't automatically spell disaster for a movie, though the plot can get so convoluted it's hard to keep track (and I'd have appreciated more exploration of the hinted-at global mayhem in that early scene, which fizzles out afterward). The true issue lies in the film's fixation on its own history. Right from the opening credits – a collage of highlights from past movies – to key twists involving a figure we last saw in the 1996 original and a lethal gadget only referenced in 2006's 'Mission: Impossible III,' the film is crammed with nods and callbacks that might baffle even the most ardent fans. For beginners, think of it like trying to enjoy a puzzle without all the pieces; it can feel exclusionary.
And this is the part most people miss – or at least debate: opting for artificial intelligence as the main antagonist might have seemed innovative back in 2019 when this two-part epic was conceived. But fast-forward to today, and amidst a barrage of headlines hyping AI as the next big game-changer (while it mostly just helps with chores like shopping lists or generates quirky artwork), the choice feels stale and predictable. It's like chasing a trend that's already passed us by.
Worse still, this vague digital menace strips the film of a compelling human adversary. Esai Morales gives it his all as Gabriel, the assassin who once allied with The Entity but now seeks to harness it, yet he's lacking in clear motivations or depth to truly captivate. This leaves a noticeable gap where a classic, charismatic villain should shine – think of how memorable foes like those in earlier films added personal stakes and tension.
On a brighter note, the looming specter of nuclear annihilation introduces an intriguing side plot. We see the U.S. president, played by Angela Bassett, grappling with the agonizing choice of launching a preemptive strike against The Entity. These sequences, captured by cinematographer Fraser Taggart with stark shadows and off-kilter angles, evoke the suspense of vintage political thrillers like 'The Manchurian Candidate,' 'Three Days of the Condor,' or even the satirical edge of 'Dr. Strangelove.' For those new to these genres, it's like peeking into the Cold War-era paranoia that shaped cinema, adding a layer of intellectual depth to the high-stakes chases.
Giles Keyte
Fortunately, all these cinematic missteps fade into irrelevance when we hit the film's closing act, anchored by that heart-stopping airplane stunt Paramount's been hyping since 2022. It's every bit as breathtaking as promised. In this sequence, Cruise leaps through mid-air between two vibrant two-seater planes – a feat of daring that epitomizes the 'Mission: Impossible' spirit. No other film can match this, thanks to Cruise's fearless commitment (he's literally putting his life on the line) and his uncanny knack for knowing exactly where he is in the frame, allowing him to perform with precision.
Even if the rationale for this leap – something about a digital 'poison pill' meant to outwit The Entity – feels murky or uninspiring, the payoff is undeniable. Those final 30 minutes erase the earlier Marvel-like fluff, cementing 'The Final Reckoning' as one of summer's most thrilling releases, possibly even the year's top entertainer. To fully appreciate it, catch this on the largest screen possible. And if nature calls, time it for the first two hours – before Ethan and the IMF touch down in South Africa for that epic wrap-up.
'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' is now streaming on Paramount+.
But here's where the debate really heats up: Is the franchise's evolution into a more interconnected web a smart evolution or a creative crutch? And does centering AI as a villain reflect our real-world fears, or is it just lazy storytelling in an era of tech hype? What do you think – does the stunning finale redeem the whole film, or is it time for 'Mission: Impossible' to break free from its past? Share your opinions in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint!
