Tom Cruise, known for his fearless commitment to performing daring stunts, once again captivates audiences with his breathtaking performance in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning: Part One.
Competing against Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer to be the blockbuster of the summer, everyone is wondering: Can Mission 7 manage to continue pushing Ethan Hunt to the extremes in innovative and captivating ways? The answer is… yes, yes it can. Very much so in fact.
The film kicks off with a timely plot involving a Russian submarine overtaken by artificial intelligence, giving a relevant twist to the narrative and tapping into current discussions surrounding ChatGPT and Open AI. The AI, known as The Entity, proves to be a formidable villain capable of almost anything. Its integration with the United States military complex adds an extra layer of intrigue and raises the stakes for Ethan Hunt and his team, reminiscent of the intricate webs of espionage woven throughout previous Mission Impossible films. As tritagonist Benji Dunn points out in the film, this thing is his “worst nightmare.”
True to the series’ tradition, Mission 7 unquestionably transports and treats viewers to breathtaking locations, including a thrilling ride along the Orient Express. Many scenes were filmed in the picturesque Norwegian town of Åndalsnes, with its stunning mountainous landscapes being the perfect backdrop for the Tom Stunt Show.
Tom Cruise’s meticulously trained stunts take center stage, leaving viewers in awe of his commitment to delivering heart-stopping action sequences. Drawing upon his unwavering commitment to his craft, Cruise delivers jaw-dropping sequences that include his mastery of speed flying, a sport recognized as one of the most dangerous in the world. These incredible stunts exemplify Cruise’s dedication to delivering unparalleled action sequences, deserving of the highest praise and recognition. Perhaps it’s time for the Oscars to consider adding a stunt category, especially after witnessing the incredible feats performed by our legendary protagonist in Mission 7.
Despite its lengthy runtime, the film expertly presents its action-packed sequences in a meticulously structured manner, ensuring that viewers remain fully engaged and immersed in the thrilling story. Director Christopher McQuarrie’s expertise shines through in the masterful execution of the action-packed sequences, keeping the audience fully engaged without a moment to spare. McQuarrie also seamlessly incorporates nods to past films, offering moments of nostalgia that loyal fans will undoubtedly appreciate. His artistic vision has solidified the Mission Impossible franchise as one of the most successful and beloved film series of all time.
The cast of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning: Part One also includes remarkable performances from Vanessa Kirby, who portrays The White Widow, a captivating and formidable villain. Kirby’s versatility shines through as she delivers a seductive and tempestuous portrayal, showcasing her range and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Rebecca Ferguson’s return as Faust, demonstrating her combat skills in a desert setting, adds an exciting dynamic to the film. The chemistry between Ferguson’s character and Ethan Hunt keeps fans eagerly speculating about the future of their relationship.
Hayley Atwell joins the cast as Grace, an unlikely sidekick who proves her worth as a skilled pickpocket. The palpable tension between Atwell and Cruise adds an additional layer of excitement, culminating in an augmented reality-enhanced chase through the Abu Dhabi airport. This thrilling subplot adds depth to the film’s overall appeal, ensuring another captivating storyline until the franchise’s conclusion.
Pom Klementieff’s (Guardians of the Galaxy) portrayal of Paris adds another layer of excitement, showcasing her character’s badass nature and intriguing character arc. With a lineup of talented actresses, Mission 7 emphasizes female empowerment like never before, enriching the cast with depth and diversity.
We also see familiar elements that fans have come to love, including the iconic face-removal technique. Ethan Hunt and his team once again demonstrate their mastery of disguise and deception, using their skills to navigate through treacherous situations. This nostalgic nod and other easter eggs that reference past films add an exciting and entertaining layer to the storyline.
While there are perceivably cheesy moments that pay homage to the prequels and the AI storyline may occasionally delve into intellectual abstraction, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning: Part One masterfully balances spectacle and excitement. PHOTO
Furthermore, it solidifies its place as the blockbuster of the Summer, reaffirming the enduring popularity and thrilling nature of the Mission Impossible franchise. Cruise’s commitment to pushing boundaries with ground-breaking stunts makes this film a must-watch for adventure enthusiasts and fans of the series alike.
Grade: A-