Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Sum of Life’s Choice … I Accept, One Last Time

In a world of franchises, very few can stand the test of time.  No matter the genre, building a prolong story through various film entries is much more than just reinvention, it is retention.  For film fans, the reason to continue to watch a series is a matter of perspective, but there will always be a reason to wonder … can it top the last?  In this review, I look at the latest entry in a popular spy film franchise.  In this latest (and probably final) chapter, it showcases what this series is all about.  Even with a convoluted and thin plot, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a grand sendoff for a spy that we know as … Ethan Hunt. 

In one final mission to save the world, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) will put everything on the line to defeat the ultimate enemy of our times.  There is something to be said about the longevity of any film series.  From icons like James Bond to Star Wars, it becomes a revelation to see how one sound, image or word can make you realize how ingrained properties can be in our society.  As new series (John Wick, Fast and Furious) try to rise among the ranks, Mission: Impossible has become a staple in that iconic list.  From the First film to the previous one (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning), it becomes enthralling to see how each entry stands out in its own death-defying action sequences, bombastic plots and unbelievable spy tech.  For all that feels unreal, the unique draw of this series is grounded by the cast of characters (view the IMDb list of casts here – link), led by Ethan Hunt.  With this latest chapter, it pushes the limits of the series’ iconography, but still finds a way to be thrilling.  In the beginning, it starts with a prologue that continues from the previous film, showing that Hunt is still on his mission to destroy The Entity; an AI Program that has slowly deteriorated the global networks and pushed the world’s superpowers to the brink of war.  This man vs. machine element becomes the foundation for this story, but doesn’t develop past this basic draw.  What the journey becomes is a heavy reliance on action sequences, prolonged expositional dialogue and last second saves.  From Hunt’s chase through the sewers of London to the artic submarine retrieval sequence, the directive is able to show the strength of the series (stunts and action) against the backdrop of nostalgia, shallow dialogue and familiar plot points.  The self-indulgence does rear its ugly head, but for all that can deter the enjoyment becomes the reason you are glued to the screen; witnessing Hunt and his team defy all logic to try and stop the Entity from completing its ‘end of the world’ scenario. 

As the journey continues, the convoluted layering of the plot begins to pair the current mission to previous ones (from past films).  This forced retcon strings together connections that showcase thematic details of fate, bringing a causality that strikes a certain emotional fervor in the action.  With numerous agencies and a wildcard villain getting caught in the web, it catalyzes the mission into an unprecedented third act.  In the finale, everything you have come to enjoy about the series is put to full effect, topped off by an amazing stunt sequence and closure that you can only expect from Ethan Hunt.  Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning might play loose with its plot, but the fervor of the series shines bright throughout.  If you are a fan of action films, spy films, Tom Cruise or the franchise, you will not be disappointed.  For everyone else, there is definitely a lot of action here that should be seen on the big screen.   

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)