We are thirty years into the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, yet Tom Cruise still finds new ways to risk his life for my enjoyment. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is a grand-scale, high-stakes, globe-trotting affair that puts our boy Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) on a “final” mission to save the planet.
Where the film excels in action and grandeur, it lacks in script and dialogue. The film itself isn’t the best of the franchise; that crown is heavily bestowed on the head of “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” But, there are some great pieces in what seems to be the last time we will see Hunt and his crew save the world.
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (2025) Review: Does it Live Up to the Legacy?
Gets the Blood Pumping
If you came for jaw-dropping action and set pieces, then “The Final Reckoning” is in your wheelhouse. It is by far and away the best part of this movie and to be honest, a lot of why I personally love the series. Two major action sequences in this will take your breath away. Ironically enough, they’re both polar opposites as far as fears go; water and heights are the leading factors in what could be the demise of Hunt.
From Deep Depth to the Skies
When I tell you the underwater sequence gave me anxiety, I’m being calm about it. The lengths and risks taken in this sequence are out there and of course, leave it to Tom Cruise to pull it off. The whole sequence is very James Cameron-coded, throwing a hint of horror into the mix. The visuals during this are probably the best in the movie. More specifically, at the end of the sequence, we get what I believe is the best shot in the film. The color, the camera panning, just everything about it. Gorgeous work from our Director Christopher McQuarrie.
The final 30 or so minutes of this happened on the wings of two airplanes racing through the Congo at all heights. Most of it features Cruise hanging from it and rolling around like a pinball. To this day, I don’t know how the guy does it. It’s truly an incredible action sequence and the camera work is fantastic.
Weak Points: Plot & Dialogue
As mentioned, the plot and dialogue are where this went a tad awry. The conversations don’t grab you like before; in fact, the lack of dialogue in this film probably plays a part in why this isn’t higher than four stars for me. It’s mostly a lot of small talk when there is dialogue, and I just didn’t care for that.
The plot continues from “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning,” so if you’ve seen that, you’re caught up. But the writers didn’t add a lot more to it. We know they’re saving the world but aren’t they always? It just felt like they could’ve done more with it. A lot of people will get frustrated with the flashbacks and cut scenes of the previous films, but I liked how it ties things together, where it was kind of foggy in the last seven movies. It just felt like there was some laziness in the writing aspect of this final entry in the series.
Tom Cruise & the “Mission: Impossible” Legacy
Who am I to say anything else poor about a “Mission: Impossible” film? For a franchise to run this long, continuously producing better movies as the years pass, or making ones that are just as good, is an accomplishment in and of itself. You have to applaud Tom Cruise and his dedication to this character and franchise. The quality product he’s put out with it is something most filmmakers never come close to scraping. I have been a Cruise fan since the beginning and will continue supporting his insane, stunt-filled films that give me all kinds of happiness. Isn’t that what we want?
If this truly is the end of Ethan Hunt and his team, it’s been one hell of a thirty-year ride. It’s a ride that I’ll never forget and one I can’t wait to experience with my kids when they’re old enough to watch these. Personally, “Mission: Impossible” is the best action franchise in cinema. Not only that, but I believe Tom Cruise is the greatest action hero ever to make movies. No one does stunts like him. No one risks it all for other people’s enjoyment like him. I, for one, am thankful for that.
“Our lives are not defined by any one action. Our lives are the sum of our choices.” – Luther
This review will self-destruct in five seconds.
Personal Rating: 4/5 Stars
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