The theatrical sphere received a much-needed boost last summer with the release “Top Gun: Maverick,” thanks to megastar Tom Cruise. Now, over a year later, with high-profile films like “The Flash” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” failing to meet expectations, could Cruise once again step in to save the day? With his latest release “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” the possibility seems bright.
See Also: The Tank (2023) — Movie Review
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film is a thrilling adventure. It deftly navigates the lines between good and evil for an impressive 163 minutes. Despite the hefty runtime, the film never feels tedious. The film’s complexity might be weighed down by repetitive dialogue at times. However, this is more than made up for by the phenomenal action sequences. At a time when the film industry is questioning its very existence, Ethan Hunt’s acceptance of the mission offers hope.
The seventh entry in the franchise cleverly references back to the original 1996 Brian De Palma film, merging the two halves of the series. This isn’t an origin story, but it does delve into the purpose and essence of the iconic character, Ethan Hunt. The narrative takes Hunt through a journey of self-reflection, from his early days as an agent to the present, constantly referring back to the first film.
In “Dead Reckoning,” we see the return of former IMF director Eugene Kittridge (Henry Czerny). He now has a new mission for Hunt. There’s a rogue A.I. loose in the world, and the superpowers are fighting to control it. The key to manipulating this A.I. is split into two halves. One of them is about to be on the black market. Hence, Hunt and his team, including Luther (Ving Rhames) and Benji (Simon Pegg), must not only intercept the key but also discern its purpose.
Hunt runs into Gabriel (Esai Morales), a nefarious mercenary from his past, during a mission in the Dubai airport. The encounter also involves Grace (Hayley Atwell), an innocent pickpocket who gets in on the high-stakes drama. The narrative is further enriched by other characters like Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis. They play agents hot on the rogue Hunt’s trail, and Pom Klementieff, who portrays a silent assassin. Despite a somewhat lackluster performance by Vanessa Kirby, who returns as the arms dealer White Widow, the film continues to engross.
The quintessential image of a “Mission: Impossible” movie is probably that of Cruise, legs pumping, arms swinging, in full pursuit. This motif forms the pulse of “Dead Reckoning Part One,” which emphasizes speed and urgency. The film stands out in an era where CGI reigns supreme, prioritizing tangible action over digital artifice. The careful choreography of the action sequences in the film is unparalleled. Only “John Wick: Chapter 4” offering similar levels of genre excellence this year.
Interestingly, the film also presents a unique narrative twist – a Hollywood star battling A.I. and questioning the purpose of his role. This clever meta-narrative about a spy trying to save the world from a rogue sentient computer is a reflection of Cruise’s own experiences with deepfake controversies. Additionally, the plot’s focus on Ethan Hunt’s work-life balance is a clear parallel to the career challenges Cruise, an aging action star, must inevitably confront.
Most importantly, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is an incredibly enjoyable cinematic experience. Despite its considerable length, the film has memorable action sequences that will keep audiences thoroughly entertained. Could Tom Cruise repeat his blockbuster success and breathe life back into the cinematic experience? It seems plausible, and we may just see him do it again next summer.
