Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 Review
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s— Tom Cruise speeding off a cliff at 130 mph?!
The “Mission: Impossible” franchise, with a staggering 7 films, has managed to consistently deliver thrilling and entertaining cinematic experiences, each addition bringing its own unique strengths to the table. In Dead Reckoning Pt. 1, action-packed sequences and a witty plot compliment each other phenomenally, leaving a nostalgic imprint on new and old fans alike.
Tom Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts as Ethan Hunt is more jarring than ever in the latest addition to the franchise. From leaping off the highest cliffs of Northern Europe to hanging upside down from the rear end of a passenger train, Cruise puts the term “stunt double” to shame. His female counterpart, played by Marvel actress Hayley Atwell, serves a fresh take on the typical ‘lone spy’s love interest’ archetype, shifting the film away from the tackiness present in many romance-geared action movies. Together, the two secret agents take down their enemies in the most captivating ways imaginable, whether it be with mind-bending government gadgets or good old hand-to-hand combat. The sheer visual appeal of this film alone is enough to bolster it to the top of the movie charts for this year.
(Photo/Paramount Pictures)
In addition to Cruise’s immaculate niche for action, the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core elements have left a lasting impact on its enduring popularity. The concept of making AI a key element to the narrative of the villain was ingenious, once again reviving a story dating back to 1996 through a modern twist. I would highly recommend watching this movie with a family member or close friend; there is a comforting, yet exciting quality to Dead Reckoning Pt. 1 that truly sets it apart from other films in the cinema right now. Seeing brilliant actors show off their skill and talented writers weave together a seamless story simultaneously is something you can’t experience with any other franchise to date.
The cast and crew of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Pt. 1 have placed a large emphasis on seeing their film in theaters before watching from the luxury of a home television, and I couldn't agree more with this point. While not every installment is universally beloved, the Mission Impossible franchise as a whole has undoubtedly left a significant impact on the action and spy genre, setting a high bar for thrilling storytelling and jaw-dropping visuals, as well as the future of cinema. 🎥💥