ONE LAST MISSION… THAT I ACCEPT!!!

“Our lives are the sum of our choices.” Those words echo throughout the high-octane adventure that is Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (originally titled Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One), the seventh entry in the long-running action spy series. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film stars Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Esai Morales, and Hayley Atwell, and follows veteran IMF agent Ethan Hunt as he and his team race to stop a rogue artificial intelligence known as “the Entity” from falling into the wrong hands. Released on July 12, 2023, Dead Reckoning received critical acclaim and earned over $571 million globally, making it the tenth highest-grossing film of the year. However, with the seismic box office wave of Barbie and Oppenheimer (a.k.a. Barbenheimer) arriving just two weeks later, the film was still deemed a financial disappointment. Now, two years later, Paramount Pictures and McQuarrie return with the long-awaited follow-up, Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Does this eighth installment deliver the franchise’s trademark thrills and spectacle, or does it collapse under the weight of its own world-saving ambitions?

THE STORY

The Entity has spread across the globe and throughout cyberspace, a lethal A.I. consciousness on a singular mission: to seize control of the world’s nuclear arsenals. As the planet teeters on the brink of nuclear annihilation, veteran IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is summoned by President Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett) and tasked with pulling off yet another impossible mission. He’s joined by his trusted team, including field technician Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and computer expert Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), alongside new allies: Paris (Pom Klementieff), a deadly French assassin; Theo Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis), a sharp U.S. intelligence agent; and the returning Grace (Hayley Atwell), a reformed thief now officially an IMF operative. Their objective? Retrieve the Entity’s original source code, hidden within a derelict Russian submarine that’s lain dormant in the ocean depths since 2012. But standing in their way is Gabriel (Esai Morales), a dangerous rogue once aligned with the Entity, now cast out and intent on claiming the A.I. for his own destructive ends. With doomsday looming, Ethan and his team must navigate a gauntlet of deception, betrayal, and near-impossible odds, facing a mission that will either save the world… or plunge it into chaos.

THE GOOD / THE BAD

There’s no denying it—I’ve been a longtime fan of the Mission Impossible films. While I’m not particularly fond of the second and third entries, the original 1996 movie, along with Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation, Fallout, and Dead Reckoning, have all been standout experiences for me. I’ve always enjoyed the thrilling stunt work and larger-than-life heroics as Ethan Hunt and his team risk it all to complete their impossible missions.

When it comes to Dead Reckoning, I genuinely loved it. As the seventh entry in the franchise, it offered yet another gripping mission for Hunt and his crew, with director Christopher McQuarrie envisioning a storyline so ambitious that it required two full-length features to tell properly. That idea alone blew me away. While the fifth and sixth installments had narrative throughlines connecting them via characters and themes, they still functioned as self-contained stories. Dead Reckoning, on the other hand, was always designed to be just part one, a setup for a massive two-part conclusion. The result was a sprawling, globe-trotting adventure that delivered on the franchise’s signature blend of blockbuster action and jaw-dropping stunts. Even as a longtime fan, I was still surprised by how much it impressed me.

The performances across the board were strong, with Tom Cruise once again anchoring the film as the indefatigable Ethan Hunt. It was great to see familiar faces return to the series, and the introduction of new characters felt organic and welcomed, adding depth and variety to the ensemble. I also appreciated the film’s central conflict involving artificial intelligence. The Entity, a self-aware A.I. program that views humanity as a threat, was a timely and eerily relevant antagonist. With society’s growing dependence on technology and the rapid rise of A.I., the film’s premise struck a chord in ways that felt both grounded and chillingly plausible.

As I mentioned earlier, it was disappointing that Dead Reckoning didn’t meet its box office expectations. Sure, $571 million is hardly a failure and did help cover the film’s substantial production costs, but it’s a shame the movie didn’t soar higher, especially with the quality it delivered. Much of its underperformance can likely be attributed to the overwhelming cultural wave caused by Barbenheimer. Still, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning was a fantastic seventh chapter in the long-running franchise, proving there’s still plenty of cinematic mileage in watching Ethan Hunt defy death and save the world in true action-hero fashion.

This, of course, brings me back to Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, a 2025 action-adventure film that marks the eighth installment in the franchise and serves as the follow-up to the story that began in Dead Reckoning. As mentioned earlier, the narrative in Dead Reckoning was always envisioned as a two-part arc, with each film originally set to include “Part One” and “Part Two” in their titles. However, following the release of Dead Reckoning, the studio opted to drop the “Part Two” subtitle and rebrand the eighth film as Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. It’s a fitting enough title, sure—but why the change? Dead Reckoning: Part Two would’ve worked just fine. I’m guessing the marketing team felt “The Final Reckoning” sounded more definitive or cinematic. In the end, it’s a minor detail, but it still left me curious.

What excited me most was the fact that much of the cast would be returning, reinforcing the idea that this was truly a continuation, the genuine second half of the story. Soon enough, the film’s marketing campaign started to ramp up, with trailers dropping online and appearing in theaters. The footage shown was impressive and instantly rekindled my excitement for the next chapter in Ethan Hunt’s saga.

Naturally, I was thrilled to see what The Final Reckoning would deliver when it was originally slated for release on June 28, 2024 (after already experiencing a few delays). Unfortunately, the SAG-AFTRA strike caused yet another postponement, pushing the film’s release to May 23, 2025. Thankfully, I was able to catch it on opening night, and I made it a point to finish this review shortly after, for your pleasure reading, of course.

So, what did I think? Did it meet my expectations? I’d say yes, it did. Despite a few mechanical hiccups and some script inconsistencies, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is a solid, expansive, and thoroughly entertaining action spectacle. It brings the franchise to a rousing close with massive stunt work, big-screen energy, and the kind of cinematic flair that defines blockbuster filmmaking. It’s not my favorite installment in the series, but it’s definitely a damn fine ride, and exactly the kind of action-packed experience I was hoping to see, watch, and fully immerse myself in on the big screen.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is directed by Christopher McQuarrie, whose previous directorial efforts include three of the franchise’s standout entries: Rogue Nation, Fallout, and Dead Reckoning. With his deep familiarity and steady command of the series, McQuarrie was the natural choice to return and helm what is being billed as the final chapter in this globe-trotting saga of spies, high-stakes thrills, and blockbuster spectacle. To his credit, McQuarrie delivers. He draws on everything he’s learned from his previous outings, refining, shaping, and executing a vision that shines in The Final Reckoning. His direction blends sleek espionage nuances with explosive, large-scale stunts, all anchored by Tom Cruise, whose presence has become synonymous with the franchise. The result is pure popcorn spectacle, larger-than-life and thrilling in all the right ways, crafted with a precision that only McQuarrie could bring to the table.

Narratively, The Final Reckoning serves as the direct continuation, and final act, of the story that began in Dead Reckoning. McQuarrie approaches this second half with ambition and scale, crafting a finale that feels worthy of a franchise that’s spanned nearly three decades. The story itself is strong, picking up right where the last film left off and plunging Ethan and his team into another high-stakes mission that could alter the fate of the world. Much like its predecessor, The Final Reckoning embraces a sense of cinematic bigness, presenting a grand adventure with danger and spectacle lurking around every corner. There’s a palpable sense of blockbuster gravitas throughout, as McQuarrie makes it clear that this is intended to be a true sendoff, one that delivers the adrenaline, emotion, and scale fans have come to expect. It’s a fitting capstone, inviting audiences to witness one final impossible mission unfold on the biggest screen possible.

I appreciated how the stakes felt higher than ever before. This isn’t about a stolen list of agents or a rogue villain with a nuclear core; this time, the threat is The Entity, a self-aware A.I. system with the power to destabilize the world’s infrastructure and bend humanity to its will. It’s a far more global and existential threat, and while it might sound a little far-fetched on paper, it works within the heightened reality that the franchise has embraced, much like the Fast & Furious films have leaned into their own brand of over-the-top bravado.

What elevates this threat is its real-world resonance. The Entity serves as a cautionary reflection of today’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence. In a way, it’s this franchise’s version of Skynet from Terminator or the sentient machines from The Matrix, a chilling reminder of how A.I., if left unchecked, could become something uncontrollable and destructive. Strip away the cinematic flair and high-flying stunts, and you’re left with a genuinely thought-provoking premise: a rogue digital intelligence gaining power, destabilizing global systems, and being manipulated by those who seek to harness it for their own ends. It’s unnerving, and something worth thinking about next time you fire up ChatGPT.

Naturally, this is where the film’s action truly takes center stage. McQuarrie once again showcases his knack for staging high-intensity stunt work and intricately choreographed set pieces throughout the film’s extensive runtime. The result is nothing short of spectacular, exactly what you’d expect from a Mission: Impossible film, and very much in line with the over-the-top energy of a Tom Cruise-led blockbuster. As mentioned earlier, the franchise has embraced its own identity over the years, leaning into the absurdity and scale of its action sequences, and The Final Reckoning is no exception. The movie features a variety of thrilling, outlandish, and edge-of-your-seat moments that are both visually dazzling and adrenaline-pumping.

McQuarrie goes big….really big….in his direction, pushing the envelope in how these sequences are staged and executed. The end result is a series of awe-inspiring, death-defying moments that raise the bar from what came before. One standout sequence involves a tense, claustrophobic set piece that plays out entirely without dialogue. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, with the film’s sound design and score playing a vital role in building tension and immersing the viewer. It’s gripping, nerve-wracking, and exactly the kind of creative risk you hope to see in the finale of this scale. If you’re walking into this movie hoping for wild, high-stakes action and Cruise’s signature stunt work, rest assured—The Final Reckoning delivers in full.

Another notable aspect is the number of callbacks and references to earlier films in the franchise—not just to Dead Reckoning, but also to entries going as far back as the original 1996 film. Given that this could be the final installment, it makes sense that McQuarrie would want to tie up loose ends and weave in legacy elements to connect the dots. While some may criticize these moments as retcons, I found them enjoyable and respectful to the franchise’s continuity. These callbacks help give the movie a sense of finality, reinforcing its role as the closing chapter of Ethan Hunt’s journey and celebrating everything that’s come before in a fun, meaningful way.

Overall, I believe McQuarrie did an admirable job with The Final Reckoning. It’s not without its faults (as I’ve touched on), but the movie delivers all the explosive action, spycraft tension, and blockbuster spectacle necessary to make it a worthy summer popcorn flick…. from start to finish.

In terms of presentation, The Final Reckoning builds upon what its predecessor accomplished, delivering a visually striking and expertly crafted cinematic experience from start to finish. Much like previous installments, this sequel goes big in nearly every aspect, especially in its production value. With the highest budget of any film in the franchise, that investment is clearly visible on-screen, with meticulous attention given to practical effects, location shooting, set design, and large-scale action sequences. The result is a blockbuster spectacle that balances awe-inspiring thrills with dramatic flair, something that has become a hallmark of the more recent Mission: Impossible entries, particularly under McQuarrie’s direction. The Final Reckoning matches, and in some cases surpasses, the high bar set by Dead Reckoning, providing immersive environments for both heroes and villains to navigate. A major reason for this visual consistency lies in the return of many key behind-the-scenes contributors, including Gary Freeman (production design), Raffaella Giovannetti (set decoration), Jill Taylor (costume design), and the talented art direction team, all of whom worked on Dead Reckoning and bring that same level of excellence to this final installment. The film’s visual presentation is truly top-notch and arguably the best-looking entry in the entire series.

Echoing what I mentioned in my Dead Reckoning review, the sound team once again deserves praise for their outstanding work. The film’s sound editing and mixing deliver explosive, punchy effects, from gunfire to hand-to-hand combat to thunderous detonations, that fully immerse the audience in the film’s intense, action-heavy soundscape. This attention to audio detail elevates the blockbuster experience even further. The cinematography, helmed by Fraser Taggart, also continues the slick, high-octane visual style of the last film. Taggart employs clever camera angles, crisp lighting setups, and dynamic compositions to enhance the film’s dramatic tension and cinematic energy.

Surprisingly, this time around the score isn’t composed by Lorne Balfe, who crafted the music for the last two Mission Impossible entries. Instead, composers Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey take the reins. Both have collaborated with Balfe on previous projects, Aruj even contributed additional music for Dead Reckoning and served as a technical score assistant on Fallout. Despite the change, the musical quality remains strong. Aruj and Godfrey maintain the franchise’s signature sound with a rousing and emotionally charged score that complements both quiet character moments and explosive action scenes. Of course, the iconic Mission Impossible theme is still present and powerful, but the duo also adds fresh motifs and dramatic beats that seamlessly connect this final chapter to its predecessor. All in all, it’s a fantastic musical continuation that doesn’t miss a step.

Unfortunately, The Final Reckoning isn’t without its flaws, and a few key issues hold it back from being the definitive “best of the best” in the Mission Impossible franchise. Don’t get me wrong, the movie is still a thrilling ride from start to finish, but there are areas where I would’ve taken a different approach. For starters, the film does feel bloated at times, with several scenes functioning as unnecessary filler that only serve to pad out its already lengthy runtime. Much like Dead Reckoning, this installment leans heavily on exposition, especially early on, in an attempt to catch viewers up on key events or tie loose threads together from previous entries. While I do appreciate the effort to maintain continuity and connective tissue, the delivery can feel excessive and overindulgent, almost as if the movie is too focused on cementing its role as the franchise’s grand conclusion rather than tightening its own storytelling. Just because it’s the final chapter doesn’t mean it needs to overextend itself with unnecessary plot detours. While not a dealbreaker, the excessive runtime is noticeable, and a leaner, more streamlined cut would’ve been to the film’s benefit.

Building on that, The Final Reckoning isn’t quite as focused or cohesive as its predecessor. While McQuarrie clearly knows this franchise inside and out, and remains a strong choice for director, his approach here occasionally lacks precision. With both Dead Reckoning and The Final Reckoning forming a two-part story that spans approximately 333 minutes (over five and a half hours), one would expect ample time for fleshing out characters, story arcs, and dramatic stakes. And yet, despite that runtime, The Final Reckoning often meanders through its plotting. Certain moments feel sluggish or drawn out, and the narrative sometimes loses momentum due to a back-and-forth structure between subplots that aren’t always compelling. This unfocused execution contributes to the film’s bloated nature, making it feel more disjointed than it should.

The script, penned by McQuarrie and Erik Jendersen (who also co-wrote Dead Reckoning), carries the same sense of daring-do and world-saving bravado that fans expect from the franchise. However, the story gets a bit too complicated at times, juggling too many characters and moving parts as each tries to claim center stage. The result is a plot that could’ve benefited from more streamlining and less subplot congestion. Additionally, several story elements lack the depth they deserve, most notably the relationship between Ethan and Gabriel. While this dynamic was teased in the previous film, it never receives the full exploration it warrants here, which is disappointing given its importance to the larger narrative. Certain characters also vanish for extended stretches, and some plot mechanics, particularly regarding what the Entity can and can’t do, feel inconsistent or designed purely for convenience. While the overall story still works on a broad level, it definitely could’ve used more polish in both its scripting and direction.

Lastly, a minor criticism: the film’s final moments don’t quite deliver the sense of closure I was hoping for. While the conclusion to the Dead Reckoning/Final Reckoning arc is wrapped up in a satisfying way, the film doesn’t fully bring the Mission Impossible saga, or Ethan Hunt’s journey, to a definitive close. There’s a sense of ambiguity in the final scenes that feels at odds with the idea of this being the franchise’s grand finale. Personally, I was hoping for more narrative finality, something that truly marks the end of Ethan’s story. Still, this is a relatively small quibble in the grand scheme of things.

The cast of The Final Reckoning features a wide array of returning characters and familiar faces from Dead Reckoning and earlier Mission Impossible entries, all coming back for one final “hurrah” of action, stunts, and large-scale thrills. As has been the case since the beginning, most characters are written and portrayed in broad, larger-than-life strokes, which is part of the franchise’s charm. That theatrical bravado is baked into the Mission Impossible formula, so it’s best not to get too caught up in realism. After all, this is the eighth installment. That said, nearly every returning character, and the talented actors who portray them, bring renewed energy and commitment to their roles, rising to the occasion for this climactic chapter.

At the center of it all is Tom Cruise, once again reprising his iconic role as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Known for his performances in Top Gun, Jerry Maguire, and The Last Samurai, Cruise has long proven himself a versatile and charismatic leading man, especially in the action genre. While his off-screen beliefs and personal life may invite criticism from some, there’s no denying his on-screen dedication and star power. In the wake of Top Gun: Maverick’s success, Cruise continues his mission, not just to entertain, but to help keep the theatrical blockbuster alive and thriving.

As such, Cruise’s return to the Mission: Impossible saga, and to the role of Ethan Hunt, satisfies a cinematic thirst that only he can deliver. True to form, Cruise once again slips into the role with effortless ease, proving just how deeply he understands this character, especially considering he’s been shaping Ethan Hunt since the original 1996 film. At this point, Cruise is undeniably the face and driving force of the franchise, and The Final Reckoning provides him with some of the most ambitious and dangerous stunts yet, offering up those jaw-dropping, authentic blockbuster moments that only he can pull off.

Ethan Hunt has always been a compelling figure: mission-focused, adaptable, and capable of handling any life-threatening scenario thrown his way. Yet he remains emotionally grounded, always wary of putting those closest to him in harm’s way. Much like in Dead Reckoning, Hunt is portrayed here as older and wiser, but still just as sharp and daring as ever. With the stakes at an all-time high, he embarks on a perilous mission that tests him both physically and mentally, pushing the character (and Cruise) to their limits. Cruise, of course, delivers with intensity, pulling out all the stops in the film’s action set pieces and stunt work.

Narratively, Ethan’s arc follows a fairly standard “operative on a mission” structure, which isn’t a flaw, but rather a familiar framework that allows for plenty of nuances within the franchise’s signature spy-thriller elements. That said, there are a few missed opportunities where the film could have allowed Ethan to confront or reconnect with key figures from his past, especially given that this entry is meant to serve as the series’ conclusion. Still, Cruise remains rock-solid in the role. He continues to embody the action-hero archetype with precision and conviction. If this truly is the final send-off for both Cruise and Ethan Hunt, The Final Reckoning makes sure it ends on a high note.

Following Cruise, actress Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger and The Pillars of the Earth) returns as Grace, the former thief-turned-IMF agent introduced in Dead Reckoning. In The Final Reckoning, Grace fits more naturally into Ethan’s inner circle of operatives and assassins, finding her footing within the team as a capable and resourceful ally. Thankfully, the script gives her meaningful things to do, she’s no mere background presence, and Atwell rises to the occasion, delivering a strong performance whenever she’s given the spotlight. That said, I still personally prefer Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust….I truly loved that character and felt her absence. As for Grace, some of her story beats feel a bit uneven, and I occasionally wished the narrative had taken her arc in a different direction. Still, she proves to be a solid addition to the team and holds her own amid the chaos.

Supporting Hayley Atwell’s Grace are the longtime Mission: Impossible veterans Benji Dunn, the IMF’s field technician, and Luther Stickell, the team’s trusted computer expert. Simon Pegg (Star Trek and Hot Fuzz) and Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction and Con Air) reprise their roles once again, continuing their characters’ long-running support of Ethan’s journey. Benji has grown into one of Ethan’s closest allies across the latter films in the series, while Luther has been by Ethan’s side since the very first installment. It’s fitting, and rewarding, for both characters to return for what may be their final mission. Each gets a chance to shine, and both Pegg and Rhames deliver strong, heartfelt performances that ground the team’s emotional core.

Joining Ethan’s crew this time are returning characters from Dead Reckoning: Paris, the fierce French assassin, and Theo Degas, a sharp U.S. intelligence agent. Reprising their roles are actress Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Avengers: Infinity War) and actor Greg Tarzan Davis (Top Gun: Maverick and Grey’s Anatomy). It’s entertaining to see both characters now working alongside Ethan, especially considering their opposition to him in the previous chapter. Their presence adds fresh energy and new dynamics to the group, and both Klementieff and Davis handle their roles with confidence, lending weight and charisma to the team’s evolving chemistry.

Returning once again as the film’s primary antagonist is Esai Morales (Ozark and La Bamba), reprising his role as Gabriel, a deadly assassin with a shadowy past tied to Ethan Hunt’s pre-IMF days and formerly the chief liaison to the Entity. His appearance in Dead Reckoning was a welcome one, and his return in The Final Reckoning is equally appreciated. That said, some issues with the character remain unresolved. To be sure, Morales certainly knows how to embody Gabriel, delivering the right blend of menace, intelligence, and charismatic villainy throughout his performance. Plus, I particularly liked the narrative shift this time around, with Gabriel acting independently after being cast aside by the Entity itself, adding another dangerous complication for Ethan and his team. However, much like in the previous film, the script falls short in fully developing Gabriel’s backstory, especially when it comes to his connection with Ethan. I’ve already touched on this earlier, so I won’t rehash all the details, but it bears repeating: the film misses an opportunity to deepen the emotional stakes by not exploring their shared history further. Still, Morales gives a strong and convincing performance as Gabriel, I just wish the screenplay had given him more substance to work with.

Also returning in this second half of the story is actor Henry Czerny (Clear and Present Danger and Sharp Objects), reprising his role as Eugene Kittridge, the current director of both the IMF and CIA. As I mentioned in my review of Dead Reckoning, Czerny remains a strong presence in the role. While his screen time here is more limited compared to the previous installment, it’s still a welcome appearance, especially given that he first appeared in the original Mission Impossible back in 1996. It feels fitting to have him present for the franchise’s concluding chapter.

Likewise, it was great to see Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Contact) return to the series as Erika Sloane. Last seen in Fallout, Sloane has now been elevated from CIA Director to President of the United States. Bassett’s commanding screen presence and formidable talent make her brief appearance a welcome highlight in the film.

Additionally, several supporting characters from Dead Reckoning return, including Shea Whigham (Boardwalk Empire and Silver Linings Playbook) as U.S. intelligence agent Jasper Briggs, Charles Parnell (Top Gun: Maverick and The Last Ship) as DNI and head of the NRO, Richards, and Mark Gatiss (Sherlock and Game of Thrones) as NSA head Angstrom. While these characters only appear in a handful of scenes, their inclusion helps maintain continuity and provides a grounded presence within the overarching narrative.

Rounding out the ensemble cast are several new supporting players: actor Holt McCallany (Lights Out and Wrath of Man) as Secretary of Defense Serling Bernstein; actress Janet McTeer (Me Before You and The White Queen) as Secretary of State Walters; actor Nick Offerman (The Founder and Parks and Recreation) as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Sidney; and actress Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso and The Fall Guy) as Rear Admiral Neely, commander of the USS George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier. Additional supporting roles include actor Tramell Tillman (Severance and Sweethearts) as submarine commander Captain Bledsoe; actress Lucy Tulgarjuk (What We See and L’Iceberg) as Tapeesa; actor Pasha D. Lychnikoff (Deadwood and Bullet Train) as Captain Koltsov; and actor Paul Bullion (The Witcher and Dracula Untold), actress Katy O’Brian (Twisters and Love Lies Bleeding), actor Stephen Oyoung (Twisters and Insecure), and stuntman / actor Tomas Paredes (No Time to Die and The Batman) as naval soldiers Shirley, Kodiak, Pills, and Hagar, respectively.

Naturally, some characters receive more attention than others, and a few could’ve benefitted from additional development. Still, the ensemble as a whole is solid. Each performer contributes to the world of The Final Reckoning, lending a sense of scope, urgency, and credibility to the film’s escalating tension.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We live and die in the shadows—for those we hold close, and for those we never meet.” These words echo throughout Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning as Ethan Hunt and his team race against time to stop the Entity’s endgame from plunging the world into chaos. Director Christopher McQuarrie’s latest entry brings the eighth chapter in Ethan Hunt’s saga full circle, completing the “Reckoning” arc in what is intended to be a grand sendoff for the IMF’s most infamous agent. Yes, the film stumbles occasionally, its bloated runtime and a few uneven script choices weigh it down, but it still finds a steady, entertaining rhythm. McQuarrie’s direction remains sharp, the stakes are appropriately massive, the stunt work is jaw-dropping, and the visual presentation is top-tier. With explosive action, memorable characters, and strong performances across the board, The Final Reckoning delivers the kind of popcorn blockbuster spectacle fans have come to expect. Personally, I liked this movie. It fulfills the promise of a two-part narrative that began in 2023, wrapping up the overarching storyline in a way that feels mostly satisfying. Sure, there are elements I would’ve handled differently or story turns I wish had gone in another direction, but overall, what’s presented works. I had a blast watching it. Is it my favorite Mission Impossible film? No. I still hold Fallout and Dead Reckoning as my top picks, with Ghost Protocol not far behind. But The Final Reckoning ranks just beneath those, a worthy entry that encapsulates much of what makes this franchise so exhilarating. It’s absolutely worth the time and investment. As such, my recommendation for this movie is a solid “highly recommended”. Longtime fans will appreciate the continuity and payoff, while casual moviegoers will find plenty to enjoy in the sheer spectacle and energy of the film. That said, I do suggest brushing up on Dead Reckoning beforehand, especially if you don’t quite remember where things left off. Now, the big question: is this truly the final chapter? It’s hard to say. All signs point to yes… but the film’s ending leaves just enough ambiguity to keep the door slightly ajar. Personally, I’d love to see the story continue. But if this is the farewell, then this two-part saga sends the franchise off on a high note, better to go out with a bang than a whimper. In the end, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is a sweeping, high-octane adventure that delivers spectacle, suspense, and just enough emotion to feel like a true sendoff. Whether this is the final mission or simply the end of one chapter, few franchises have soared this high or lasted this long with such energy and precision. For fans and thrill-seekers alike, this is a mission worth accepting… one last time.

4.3 out of 5 (Highly Recommended)

The Official Website Link for Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning: HERE

Released On: May 23rd, 2025

Reviewed On: May 26th, 2025

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning  is 169 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence and action, bloody images, and brief language 

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