Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

This week after embarking on a couple of impossible missions myself (finding an enhanced viewing at a reasonable time - epic fail and sneaking in and out of the house without tripping the security system (rotten dog) - success) I made it to Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning. The big question, after 29 years could this 8th film in the franchise deliver the goods and give a satisfying end to Tom Cruise’s run as Ethan Hunt? Overcoming my mental block of doing a late-night viewing, I’m happy to report that over the course of the 2-hours and 50-minutes, Cruise and company most certainly earned my trust and respect one last time.

Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning is the ultimate love letter to the franchise and its characters in the best possible way. The highest of stakes, jaw dropping and breath-taking action, out of this world visuals, surprise twists, homages, and going full circle going back the film franchises roots. All wonderfully executed in the manner that’s come to be expected (there is one scene that threw me off in its wtf/nonsensical vibe, but it was small and I’m overlooking it). 

Best of all? The heartwarming/heartbreaking emotions of, by, and for the characters. I’m not ashamed to admit, this film not only had me repeatedly on the edge of my seat. It broke me.  I choked up, I fought back tears and outright cried several times. Emotional damage alert! If you can hear the final message and not be affected, there’s something seriously wrong with you. 

There’s a nice balance of humor throughout. The pacing for such a long film is on point so there’s never a moment of boredom and you don’t “feel” the length weighing on you as you watch.  The script is great and does something so many films fail to do. You get swept up in the story to the point where logically you know it will work out, but emotionally you doubt it. You really buy into the possibility/probability this mission will fail.

While signs of Cruise’s 62 years are starting to show on his face a bit (enhanced screening is no one’s friend on that point) that’s pretty much the only place it’s showing. He gives us what we want and have come to expect.  “The run” is highlighted throughout without missing a step or slowing down. Cruise runs his ass off in these one folks. His refusal to take a knee or pull back on any of the crazy stunt work and action sequences pays huge dividends and it’s glorious.

The casts and their characters across the board are an embarrassment of riches that deliver on every level. Even some of the smallest roles that would be throwaways in most films are impactful and memorable, making you wish there would be more to come. I mean the soldier just wishing him luck? Hello, I wanted more of her backstory, please.

I can go on and on about this one (the current state of the world and political climate for one) but I won't. 

If this is truly the last Mission Impossible, Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning is a satisfying, worthy, chef’s kiss of a swan song. As the movie said: our lives are the sum of our choices. Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning is indeed the sum of all the previous films wrapped up in a memorable, sentimental, entertaining, and masterful bow.

Slow clap for Cruise and everyone associated with bringing this franchise to the big screen for the last 29 years over 8 films. Thanks for the memories. 

Do yourself a favor, accept the mission on last time and see Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning on the big screen as intended.

Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning gets a 10 from me. This review will not self-destruct in 5 seconds.

#missionimpossiblefinalreckoning

Lilo & Stitch (2025)

 

Ignore the calendar. 

The rising temperatures and the fast and furious new releases at the box office say summer movie season is upon us. This week I took to the theater to check out the latest Disney live action film release, Lilo & Stitch (2025). 

First, a small bit of housekeeping. When the original film came out in 2002, I thought it was cute and enjoyed it, but it never held a particular place in my heart. Still, being a Disney “kid” and having seen all their other live action takes, I didn’t want to miss seeing this one on the big screen. 

Onwards.

Like the other Disney live action releases, Lilo & Stitch (2025) takes heavily from the original, tweaks, and expands it and I for one found myself loving every minute of its 1-hour 48-minute runtime. 

Solid casting pays off.

Chris Sanders once again works his magic not only as writer but as title character Stitch. His fleshing out the character of Nani (Sydney Agudong) and adding Tutu (Amy Hill) brings new depth and richness to the story which ups the "feels" quotient. Tia Carrere returning to the film this time in the role as the social worker Mrs. Kekoa is a special bonus. Billy Magnussen (you can tell he had a blast) and Zach Galifianakis are delightful as Pleakley and Jumba. Courtney B Vance’s Bubbles isn’t as intimidating but nonetheless works fine since his role is now split with Carrere. 

Then most importantly is the casting of Maia Kealoha as Lilo. Not all child actors are equal and having the right on will often make or break a film. Kealoha makes this one. She's the perfect blend of sweet, sassy, infuriating, and heartbreaking. 

Missing is the character of Captain Gantu, but I didn’t have an issue with that choice. Unpopular opinion I’m sure, but with the tweaks and changes to the story his presence was neither required nor missed.

Great CGI work, beautiful cinematography, and kicking soundtrack all mesh together beautifully to bring this film to life. Lilo & Stitch (2025) feels more grounded and organic yet remains heartfelt and fun. 

I laughed. I had fun. I got verklempt and ended up fighting back tears. 

Dammit.

My theater was packed with families, many with young kids and all of them along with the adults had a good time. It was a rowdy viewing for sure, but the fact that I was so into the film that the clamor not only didn't bother me, but actually added to the experience, speaks volumes. 

I’m sure Disney “purist” will take exception to this version of the film, but I actually liked it better than the original. It captures the spirit of the original and adds the right amount of freshness to keep it entertaining, energetic, and relevant. Lilo & Stitch (2025) is still very much a touching story about love, loss, and the meaning of 'ohana

Far from broken, Lilo & Stitch (2025) gets an 8.5 from me.

#liloandstitch

Thunderbolts*

Once again let me start with my standard comic book disclaimer. I went into this film with no previous knowledge of the characters or story beyond previous films or television shows.  For that I defer to my man Ruben’s knowledge and insights (if he so chooses to comment). So, yes, my review is based solely on what appeared on the movie screen.

Onward.

My expectations going into Thunderbolts* was pretty basic. I wanted a solid film with decent writing that didn’t make me regret leaving the house to go see. Bonus points for having Sebastian Stan once again inhabit the character of Bucky Barnes.  Fairly low expectations to be sure, but let’s face it, Marvel Studios has been hit or miss for a minute.  What Thunderbolts* delivered, however, was all that and happily quite a bit more.

Thunderbolts* quite aptly for mental health awareness month brings the trauma, healing, and redemption in this emotionally heavy and dark team up. Stan’s Bucky is the chef’s kiss I wanted and came as no surprise. 

But for me, it was the rest of the cast, especially Florence Pugh as Yelena who gloriously shines.  I haven’t really given much of a crap for Yelena going back to Black Widow. Personally, I’ve been harboring some real resentment of the way her character has been shoved down our throats with Scarlett Johansson’s Marvel departure. But Thunderbolts* has changed that for me and I’m now excited about this character and thrilled with Pugh’s performance. 

Adding to my excitement this go around is David Harbour’s Alexei (his turn in Black Widow did little for me as well), and Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost (Ant-Man and the Wasp make her nothing more than a plot device). Both actors/characters are actually utilized to great advantage this go around and their fleshed-out characters shine and add depth and texture to the story.  As for Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, simply seeing him get his ass handed to him time and again just gives me a perverse sense of joy. 

Julie Louis-Dreyfus continues to shine as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and the glimpse of her past is a nice nugget to help unravel some of her mystery. Lewis Pullman’s Bob is engaging and intriguing in the best ways.

Speaking of joy, for all the heaviness of the film’s subject matter the joy of making it shines through. The script is solid, the actors are engaged, everything and everyone feels committed to the process of making a good film. The action sequences are fun, the character moments/beats are nicely balanced, and the pacing is good.  The humor works well; I especially enjoy the self-deprecation.

 All told Thunderbolts* does fire on all cylinders. It’s definitely a solid, enjoyable, and entertaining film. While it lacks some of the spectacle of many of the earlier phase Marvel films, it certain gives me hope that things are back on track and excites me for future films. 

Thunderbolts* is worth a trip to your local theater to escape the heat, get all up in your feels, and be entertained for 2-hours and 6-minutes. As always, if you do check it out, stay through the credits. There’s one mid credit and one post credit sequence. 

Thunderbolts* gets an 8 from me.

#thunderbolts