MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING (2025) – Disappointing Finale to an Impossibly High Expectation
Rating: ⭐⭐ 1/2
The highly anticipated release of “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” marks the latest installment in the renowned franchise, with Tom Cruise reprising his iconic role as secret agent Ethan Hunt. It has been two years since the previous film, “Dead Reckoning Part 1,” captivated audiences with its relentless action and thrilling narrative. However, “The Final Reckoning” unfortunately falls short of its predecessor’s high standards.
Continuing the story from “Dead Reckoning Part 1,” Ethan Hunt and his team find themselves racing against time to thwart an AI entity that has infiltrated global computer networks, threatening to unleash catastrophic destruction through nuclear weapons. While expectations were high for this sequel to deliver an equally exhilarating experience, the outcome is, regrettably, underwhelming.
Despite retaining the same core team and plot, “The Final Reckoning” feels like a shadow of its predecessor. The film lacks the elaborate action sequences that made Part 1 so memorable, save for a much-publicized aerial stunt sequence towards the end. The dialogue throughout the movie is uninspired and often cringe-worthy, with characters frequently explaining the film’s implausible scenarios to emphasize the perceived danger and difficulty of the next act, effectively building up an unrealistic expectation to what follows next. This repetitive tactic becomes increasingly tiresome, dragging the film’s runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes.
The narrative is further encumbered by numerous flashback clips from earlier movies in the series, attempting to tie the entire franchise together in a convoluted plot. These montages detract from the overall storyline and fail to provide meaningful progression or enlightenment. Moreover, even the signature sequences featuring Tom Cruise’s trademark sprinting feel out of place and unnecessary.
The film’s one redeeming quality is the extended aerial stunt sequence involving propeller biplanes, showcasing Cruise’s remarkable daredevil feats. This sequence is expertly filmed and stands out as one of the most intricately choreographed action scenes in the series. It once again demonstrates Tom Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts. However, it is insufficient to salvage the film from its shortcomings. Whereas Part 1 boasted elaborate car chases, runaway trains, cliff jumps, and exotic locales, “The Final Reckoning” offers only this plane sequence as a comparable highlight.
Tom Cruise has hinted to the public that this may be his final “Mission Impossible” movie. Nevertheless, the film’s conclusion leaves the door open for potential future adventures. As a dedicated fan, I eagerly anticipate Cruise continuing to push the boundaries with each new project he undertakes. He remains one of the last great Hollywood movie stars, and his contributions to the industry are truly unparalleled. Age is undeniably catching on and soon he will have to take things slow. For now, he is still remarkably fit and in good shape to carry this sort of Hollywood action block busters. He remains one of the last great Hollywood movie stars, and his contributions to the industry are truly unparalleled.
I sadden me to say “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” fails to live up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. While the film features a standout aerial stunt sequence, it lacks the compelling action and cohesive narrative that made Part 1 so captivating. Fans of the franchise may find some enjoyment in the movie, but overall, it is a disappointing addition to the series.
