Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning' is a fun M:I movie, certainly. Admittedly, I am someone - despite enjoying all of them to a fairly solid degree - who has a relatively lukewarm feeling for these flicks, at least compared to other franchises. These go in one ear and out the other if I'm totally honest. That does sound negative, but it honestly isn't because I certainly have the desired entertainment with 'em whilst watching; they just don't stick in the old memory bank, that's all. That's arguably by design, no? Perhaps that part is harsh. This seventh entry does set things up nicely for the currently-in-theaters sequel, which I am looking forward to. The action, stunts, cast and music are the big strengths pf this series and those departments are practically perfected here, that theme song will forever be iconic. Tom Cruise is Tom Cruise, a performance of quality as one would expect. Hayley Atwell is a great addition, while it's nice to see Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg again. The rest of those onscreen are impressive as well, namely Pom Klementieff and Esai Morales. I'm not sure this needed to be split in two with that noted follow-up, but I guess the proof will be in the pudding when I hopefully watch that 2025 release soon. I'm positive it'll be fun to see, either way.

First, let’s address the obvious. Tom Cruise definitely has a type. Every single romantic interest or possible romantic interest in these movies are always brunettes. Every single potential foil, foe or enemy is always blonde. Don’t know if there’s more to it than that, but it’s something I’ve noticed over the years. The movie started off a bit odd with an opening sequence that really doesn’t get explained until halfway through the movie. Your left wondering if you miss something for the first 30 minutes of the movie. The usual names and faces are there and you can feel the comfort with the character as you settle in to watch the first half of the finale. One of the so-called twist about halfway through the movie was so obvious that I was surprised they followed through with it. Sad to see a character go to go in the way that they did. Also, as a sidenote, I’m disappointed Michelle Monahan doesn’t make an appearance in this or the final movie. With the amount of times that she’s been found, wouldn’t she have been better off staying with Ethan than doing all of these spy tactics just to be found anyway anyways? Even though the action sequences were great, they weren’t as adventurous or extreme as they have been in previous movies. Not to take away from what they were or the people who performed them, it just didn’t have the same level of excitement and suspense as some of the others did. Any two part movie always seems to fall flat, because the first part is always setting up the second part. It’s no different here, but I’m looking forward to finishing the saga as we approach the second part of the finale.

Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise return with another high-octane installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, delivering breathtaking action, a gripping story, and a sense of urgency that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Dead Reckoning Part One is not just a typical spy thriller; it’s a showcase of practical stunts, sharp storytelling, and an evolving narrative that sets the stage for the franchise’s most ambitious chapter yet. The film follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team—Luther (Ving Rhames), Benji (Simon Pegg), and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson)—as they go up against a new, ominous threat: an advanced artificial intelligence known as "The Entity." With a rogue key holding control over this AI, Ethan races against time to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, all while being pursued by a relentless assassin (Esai Morales) and facing the return of former ally-turned-rival, Gabriel. What sets Dead Reckoning Part One apart is its ability to balance large-scale action with emotional stakes. Tom Cruise once again defies the limits of human endurance, executing jaw-dropping stunts—including a now-iconic motorcycle jump off a cliff. Meanwhile, the ensemble cast shines, with standout performances from Hayley Atwell as Grace, a mysterious thief drawn into the chaos, and Pom Klementieff as a deadly adversary. The action sequences are among the franchise's best, particularly a tension-filled train sequence that rivals any set piece in modern action cinema. Lorne Balfe’s intense score amplifies the stakes, while the cinematography captures stunning global locations, from Venice to Abu Dhabi. If there’s one drawback, it’s that the film is only part one of a larger story, leaving some threads unresolved. However, the pacing, character depth, and sheer spectacle make it a worthy entry in the Mission: Impossible saga. With a thrilling finale that sets up Part Two, this film cements the franchise’s reputation as one of the best in action cinema. Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)