Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Today while exercising, I finished watching “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” on Paramount+, which was released theatrically in May but on Paramount+ at the beginning of the month. After waiting for months for this to be released, and seeing how this is another movie that is near three-hours long, how is the last chapter in the near-death spy saga that has lasted three decades?

Espionage has always been fascinating for audiences. Sarah Gopaul said in her review, “he clandestine operations, fantastic gadgets, perilous romances and inevitable confrontations truly offer something for everyone.” That’s one of the long list of reasons the James Bond and Jason Bourne franchises are still popular, taking audiences on high-risk missions where the world is repeatedly saved from near-death threats. In 1966, the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) was introduced in a popular television series that lasted seven seasons to fan and critical praise. Thirty years later, the secret agency would be released theatrically and still continue for almost another 30 years, now coming to the eight and final film, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”

Beginning shortly after the ending to the last film, Ethan Hunt, reprised by Tom Cruise, has been protecting the gold cruciform key from everyone, not trusting that any government or agency would destroy the major AI known as The Entity rather than try to connect its endless power. Now, with the development of a possible poison pill, it’s time to get the team, reprised by Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell, and Pom Klementieff, back together so they can retrieve the source code from the bottom of the sea and stop The Entity before it destroys the world with its newly developed nuclear collection. Of course, The Entity has predicted their plans and has its own counterattack in place, while Ethan’s old enemy, Gabriel, reprised by Esai Morales, proves he is still a formidable opponent in this race for control.

Gopaul said, “It was obvious Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One was setting up an epic conclusion in which the fate of the world would once again be decided by its tried-and-true protagonist and his ragtag team of skilled rejects. This film opens with a trip down memory lane, recounting the journey so far via flashbacks that span the major events of the franchise’s three decades, essentially forming a highlight reel of Ethan’s wins and losses. Bringing the team back together is a bit like an overdue family reunion, but with more blood and violence since there’s always unwelcome party crashers.” There’s also a strange meeting with the American president, played by Angela Bassett, who has some generous decisions to make in the short time.

Ethan built his IMF career on near death for so long, never giving up until he’s completed his mission. Similarly, Cruise has admitted he’s preformed his own stunts no matter how dangerous, often pushing the limits in this famous franchise. Gopaul said, “These hazardous manoeuvres became a Mission: Impossible staple, bidding audiences to come watch the actor’s latest feat of bravery or insanity. But this final installment may have finally gone a step too far in its display of ability vs. probability. Viewers will find it difficult not to laugh at the absurdity of at least one of Ethan’s impossible stunts (especially if you’ve recently seen either the dramatized or documentary versions of Last Breath), while the other spectacular act is equally ludicrous but more convincingly impressive.”

If this is really Ethan Hunt/Tom Cruise’s last mission, it is a satisfying conclusion to the franchise. It connects storylines going back to the first film, while wrapping up everything that was left by the last couple of missions. Gopaul said, “The many ticking clocks keep everyone on edge for most of the picture with some unavoidable heartbreak, and a lot of breath-holding as decisions and actions come down to the wire.” It’s touching since audiences have possibly developed a liking to the top-secret team of underdogs, but it’s also a fond farewell…or maybe a “see you again” since nothing ever ends in Hollywood.

If you have been a fan of the franchise up to now, then this one you have to see, if you missed the chance to see it in theaters. The one complaint I have, which was probably the same complaint with the last film, is the runtime. Especially with the underwater segment, which did feel like it dragged. However, you can watch it in pieces on Paramount+, like I did. You need to see this because it is a fitting conclusion and you will love this one a lot. I think this might be the best in the franchise. Check it out, and enjoy the epic conclusion.

Thank you for joining in on this review. Stay tuned tomorrow for the continuation of “Disney Month 2025.”