Tom Cruise continually pushes the limits of incredible stunt sequences in Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning which brings key elements from past films full circle and caps off thirty years of ‘missions’ in a grand conclusion with emotional thrills.
The world is at the mercy of the artificial intelligence called The Entity that is rapidly taking control of the nations’ nuclear arsenal and threatening global annihilation. As the President (Angela Bassett) and her military staff contemplate nuclear Armageddon, the world’s last chance is Ethan Hunt (Cruise). Assembling his talented team, his first task is to find the source of the Entity and then kill it, but the Entity’s operative, Gabriel (Esai Morales), proves a lethal adversary. As Hunt takes an incredible leap of faith amid seemingly hopeless situations, the countdown brings the world closer to its end.
Director/cowriter Christopher McQaurrie has made a compelling story filled with enough action for five films. This is an epic in every sense from its tense, underwater set piece to the heart pounding aerial chase. By relying on more practical effects, the film seems more visually impressive especially on an IMAX screen Sequences often contain intense, parallel action that heighten the stakes to almost unbearable levels. There is sacrifice and loss, and the screenplay, sprinkled with humor and surprises, is clever by constantly upending audience expectations with the unexpected instead of well-worn clichés. All the supporting roles are distinct and well-acted.
Despite
its 169 minute runtime, the story is constantly engaging, and hardcore fans
should be delighted and rewarded especially with significant call backs to plot points and characters from past films
in the series. This makes for what could
be a terrific send off for Cruise’s franchise (or very possibly a new beginning).
****1/2
of ***** stars
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