Let’s be real: while every Mission: Impossible movie brings the action, some resonate more deeply than others. But even a “good, not great” M:I often delivers more heart-pounding, genuine cinematic moments than many other blockbusters can dream of. So, walking into M:I: Final Reckoning, my hope wasn’t just for the impossible stunts, but for that smart, engaging storytelling that, when it clicks, makes this franchise truly exceptional. The big question on my mind was whether the chapter would deliver that full package.
The Mission If You Choose To Accept It
M:I: Final Reckoning kicks off with Ethan Hunt and his IMF team facing a new, pervasive global threat that feels distinctly modern, compelling them into another intricate web of espionage and high stakes. As audiences have come to expect, the movie delivers on its promise of spectacle. The action sequences are ambitious, and there are certainly cool stunts that showcase the practical filmmaking prowess this series is known for, with a particular sequence involving a plane during the climax providing a definite adrenaline rush. The “spy stuff” often works well too, sometimes evoking a tense, almost Cold War era atmosphere that I found quite engaging, blended with moments of high-tech intrigue.
Yet, the narrative doesn’t always maintain this momentum. At nearly three hours, the movie feels its length, occasionally punctuated by what I can only describe as “staring contests”; extended moments of characters gazing intensely at each other, which sometimes stalled the pacing and pulled me out of the immersion. The script also leans heavily on the term “entity,” which was repeated so often it becomes a noticeable tic.
The primary antagonist, Gabriel (played by Esai Morales), proved to be a significant point of frustration. While the concept of a figure from Ethan’s past held promise, the execution rendered him more puzzling than menacing. His dialogue often felt underwritten, and some key moments, including his exit, came across as unintentionally comedic rather than impactful, which was a shame because Esai Morales’s efforts couldn’t quite overcome these foundational issues. The flashbacks meant to establish his history with Ethan, repeated from the previous movie, still offered vague answers, leaving their connection feeling underdeveloped.
On the performance front, Tom Cruise continues to embody Ethan Hunt with his signature commitment. Among the supporting cast, Tramell Tillman, though in a smaller role, exuded a remarkable charisma that was a joy to watch, especially as a fan of Severance. The ensemble generally delivers solid work within the confines of the material.
My Final Debrief: An Impossible Legacy Continued?
So, did Final Reckoning deliver that “full package” I was hoping for? It’s a mixed bag, but ultimately, it’s an enjoyable one. For me, this installment solidifies its place roughly in the middle of the M:I pack; it’s a worthy entry that certainly entertains, even if it doesn’t quite dethrone the franchise’s absolute best (my personal favorite being Rogue Nation). It’s a fun action movie, and I believe dedicated fans of the series and general action aficionados will find plenty to appreciate, even with its evident issues.
The movie undeniably benefits from the big screen. The scale of the stunts and the intricate sound design are crafted for that immersive theatrical environment, creating those “genuine cinematic moments” that are the franchise’s bread and butter. Where the movie struggles the most, for me, isn’t in its action, but in its ambition to connect every thread of the series. Some callbacks to prior movies, like certain character reintroductions or attempts to link the current threat to past MacGuffins, felt somewhat shoehorned in, as if striving for an “Avengers-type” interconnectedness that wasn’t always necessary and occasionally cluttered the main storyline. It often feels like these later M:I movies have a story issue more than an action issue.
The ending itself feels very definitive but, true to the series, leaves the door open just enough for potential continuation if desired. Given the ground covered, I personally hope this might be where Ethan Hunt’s missions conclude, allowing the series to end on a high note rather than overextending its welcome.
Final Verdict: 3.5 out of 5
M:I: Final Reckoning is a solid, often thrilling, action spectacle that delivers the high-stakes set pieces that fans have come to expect. Tom Cruise is as committed as ever, and there are standout supporting performances. However, its considerable length, an underdeveloped and sometimes humorous villain, alongside the pervasive (and often overused) “entity” threat, and a tendency towards overly convoluted, force-fit connectivity to past installments prevent it from being a top-tier entry. Despite these issues, it’s an enjoyable ride that showcases what makes this franchise endure. And yes, Ethan Hunt still does an incredible amount of running.
That Nerd Zach 