There’s something about a Tom Cruise film isn’t there? Setting aside his private beliefs, on screen he really is larger than life. Cruise has the ability to show toughness, determination and vulnerability in a way that is different to many of action stars.
The Mission Impossible franchise has enabled Cruise to create a character in Ethan Hunt that embodies the qualities above. The best thing about his role in these films is that though he is the star, it never feels as though he is ‘above’ any of the other actors. These films are always feel like an ensemble.
This film continues the story from Dead Reckoning as Ethan and his friends continue to search for a secret weapon that will enable them to destroy the AI Entity that has caused chaos and a rise of totalitarianism around the world. As usual, there are car chases, air acrobatics and plenty of hand to hand combat scenes. These are well shot and sometimes a bit scary but since this is the final reckoning, you know pretty well how it’s going to end.
Action aside, the plot is a little predictable and quite slow at times. I don’t think this instalment justifies its almost three hour length.
I have to say I really missed the fact that Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust is missing from this film. Killed off in the previous one, she leaves a gap that can’t quite be filled by Hayley Atwell’s Grace. I mean no disrespect to Atwell, she’s a fine actor, but of all the leading ladies Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt has connected with Ferguson had the most chemistry with him. In terms of a tough female archetype Ferguson always brought the right balance of strength, cheek, mystique and glamour to the films.
I enjoyed this film, but I didn’t have the same charm or charisma of it’s predecessor and while I’d say go and watch it if you like the franchise, it’s doesn’t really wow! That said, I imagine there will be another film on its way.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales
Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Duration: 170 Minutes
Open in New Zealand 18th May 2025
