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.

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