Is the latest Mission Impossible film the best one yet? SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne weighs in in his Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning review.
When talking about a film, it’s quite cliché to say that “fans are buzzing” and “critics are raving”, but in the case of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One the buzz is real.
Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the seventh installment in the legendary spy film series sees Tom Cruise reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, an aging but still capable top agent with the Impossible Missions Force (IMF). Hunt and his team, played once again by Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg, travel the globe tracking down an advanced technological weapon before it gets in the wrong hands. Standing in their way are a number of shady and power-hungry characters looking to use the most advanced technology the world has ever seen to assert their global dominance.
As expected from a Mission Impossible film, the action sequences, stunts and fight scenes are top tier. Although Cruise is 27 years deep into this franchise, he hasn’t lost a beat, still performing his own stunts, kicking ass and running around with Usain Bolt type speed.
The action, stunts and fight scenes are matched by the quality and believability of the story. Not only is the screenplay well written, with nods to previous Mission Impossible films, which creates some full circle moments, but given the rapid advancements in technology, including AI, it’s not too farfetched which pulls in the viewer even more.
But the Trump card is the onscreen chemistry between Tom Cruise and the cast, including Hayley Atwell who plays the elusive thief for hire, Grace. Ethan Hunt and Grace almost have a Batman and Catwoman like relationship, blurring the lines between enemies, allies and potential love interests. As usual Pegg adds the comedy which adds another layer to the story.
Atwell’s onscreen beauty is only matched by the beauty of the locations. The European cityscapes create a sense of grandeur and beauty contrasted with the gritty and faced paced action sequences.
Some are saying this may be the best Mission Impossible film yet and they wouldn’t be wrong. While there aren’t many surprises, Christopher McQuarrie has taken the same old formula wrapped in a modern techie storyline, and with this being part one of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, McQuarrie has walked the perfect balance of providing some closure while leaving fans dying for more and raising the stakes for part two.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is in theatres everywhere.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music and film & TV. He was named one of 310 international voters for the 81st Golden Globe Awards by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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