Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Review
- Matthew Rondina
- May 14
- 4 min read
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning delivers incredible action and thrills in Ethan Hunt's final mission, my full review.
As a lifelong fan of the Mission: Impossible franchise, I’ve followed Ethan Hunt’s globe-trotting adventures since his 1996 debut. Each installment has redefined action cinema from the cerebral twists of Brian De Palma’s original to the adrenaline-fueled heights of Fallout. Now, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the saga reaches its climactic conclusion, and the stakes have never been higher.
"Now, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the saga reaches its climactic conclusion, and the stakes have never been higher."
This eighth entry, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, aims to tie up nearly three decades of espionage, betrayal, and breathtaking stunts. Does it deliver a satisfying finale?
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Details
IMDB Link: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Release Date: May 23,2025 Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Cast: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett
Run Time: 170 minutes
Genre: Action, Spy, Thriller
Content Rating: PG-13
Mission: Impossible Plot - AI Antagonists and High-Stakes Action
Picking up months after the events of Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) faces his most formidable foe yet: “The Entity,” a rogue AI threatening global stability. Ethan and his IMF team must embark on a perilous mission to retrieve a critical key that could neutralize the threat. The stakes have never been higher as The Entity slowly takes over all the nuclear arsenals worldwide and threatens all of humanity. The narrative weaves through London protests, thrilling deep-sea dives in Alaska, and confrontations in Africa, culminating in a high-octane showdown that tests the team's limits.
"The narrative weaves through London protests, thrilling deep-sea dives in Alaska, and confrontations in Africa, culminating in a high-octane showdown that tests the team's limits."
The plot is dense, intertwining themes of trust, sacrifice, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The film's first act is heavy with exposition, recounting some of Hunt’s key moments through the 30 years of the franchise. Elements of it are great, helping to jog your memory with some of the franchise’s key plot points and incredible stunts. Some incredible cameos come full circle in unexpected ways, offering great closure for longtime fans. While the story occasionally teeters under its own weight, becoming needlessly overcomplicated in parts, it ultimately delivers with action set pieces.
Direction and Acting Carry High Stakes Tempo
Christopher McQuarrie, at the helm since Rogue Nation, brings a seasoned hand to this finale. His direction balances adrenaline-soaked set pieces with character-driven moments, ensuring the spectacle finds an equilibrium with the plot. The tension is ramped up to dizzying heights that takes audiences on a thrill ride. The screenplay, co-written with Erik Jendresen, delves into the moral complexities of AI and the personal and geopolitical costs of Hunt's espionage.
"The screenplay, co-written with Erik Jendresen, delves into the moral complexities of AI and the personal and geopolitical costs of Hunt's espionage."
Tom Cruise once again proves why Ethan Hunt is one of cinema's most enduring action heroes. His commitment to performing his own stunts adds authenticity to the role, and his portrayal captures the character's internal conflicts with nuance. Hayley Atwell shines as Grace, bringing depth and charisma to her role. Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg provide reliable support as Luther and Benji, respectively, their camaraderie adding warmth amidst the chaos. Angela Bassett's return as Erika Sloane adds gravitas, while Henry Czerny's Eugene Kittridge offers a complex portrayal that blurs the lines between ally and adversary.
One absolute standout to the extended cast was Tramell Tillman, who portrays Captain Bledsoe. Known for his role as the enigmatic Mr. Milchick in Severance, Tillman brings a commanding presence to the screen. His portrayal of Captain Bledsoe is intense, making each scene memorable, especially with the delivery of some key one-liners.
A Stunt and Special Effects Spectacular
The Final Reckoning pushes the franchise’s signature jaw-dropping stunts and seamless special effects to exhilarating new heights. Tom Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts reaches an unprecedented level, most notably in a breathtaking aerial sequence where he clings to a 1930s biplane hurtling through the sky at over 120 mph. The film’s tension builds masterfully; it was so intense I forgot to blink during some action sequences. While the editing is largely effective, certain moments—particularly an underwater sequence—could have been tighter. However, the film’s ability to balance high-octane action with character-driven moments keeps things from getting too overwhelming, allowing space for spectacle and storytelling to shine.
Final Thoughts on Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning : An Imperfect, But Fun Farewell
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a great conclusion to a franchise that has redefined action cinema. While not without flaws—particularly a somewhat sluggish first act—the film delivers on its promises of high-stakes action, emotional depth, and narrative closure. For longtime fans, it's a bittersweet farewell to Ethan Hunt and his team, leaving the door open for new adventures while honouring the legacy of what came before.
Verdict: Recommended - A thrilling finale that, despite pacing issues, cements Mission: Impossible as one of the greatest action franchises in cinematic history.
Thanks to Paramount Canada for an early screening of the film to produce this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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