Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: if titles are to be believed, this is Christopher McQuarrie’s final film in the series. It has been quite the metamorphosis from Bruce Geller’s original television series (which was a small-scale series of con games set in the world of international espionage) to the cinematic series (arguably, the most reliable action franchise currently being produced); the action remains as exhilarating and impressive as always. The plot, however, this time around, is more and more almost an afterthought, filled with holes, confusing in its excess of competing factions: the protagonist and his team of rogue agents aim to complete the mission from the curiously misnomered first part and defeat an evil AI and its believers. Also, unlike most other entries, the plot mostly breaks the group, weakening the team interactions. Still, the hero’s nature has been well-established, and the film is often emotionally anchored in his care for those close to him.
Tom Cruise plays the protagonist with his usual dedication; the stunts he performs are jaw-dropping and insane, and well worth the admission, and he is also efficient in projecting the emotional turmoil. The supporting cast doesn’t get as much of a chance this time around, but Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Greg Tarzan Davis are all fine within their limited time. Esai Morales, as the main villain, is likewise very effective.
Below the line, editor Eddie Hamilton is the star below the line, building tension with parallel action quite often, reinforcing the idea that it is a team effort. Cinematographer Fraser Taggart captures the action well. Composers Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey present their own version of Lalo Schifrin’s iconic theme, but use it sparingly; the rest fits the material well.
Read also: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Fifth about The Seventh 