Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 marks the return of the famous action franchise after a five-year hiatus.
With a budget of up to $290 million, this film is the largest investment in the series, as well as one of the most anticipated blockbusters currently. Notably, Tom Cruise has drawn attention by performing dangerous stunts even as he approaches age 61.
Mission to Halt AI
The film is set against the backdrop of a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing toward potential dominance. In this scenario, an AI known as the Entity has developed beyond human control. It possesses the capability to access sensitive information, posing a significant threat to global security.
In this critical situation, the character Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team are tasked with a mission to stop the Entity. They must track down two components of a special key that can potentially dismantle the AI system.
The more Ethan follows the trail of the Entity, the deeper he gets drawn into a conflict involving various factions, including some that are particularly dangerous. He also reunites with his love interest Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) and encounters a mysterious agent named Grace (Hayley Atwell), all while facing life-threatening situations.
As with previous installments, Mission: Impossible 7 follows the classic hero’s journey. However, the film’s plot takes a contemporary twist by exploring the implications of AI, delving into the complexities of technology.
The narrative is straightforward yet intricately woven with suspense, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Each character is introduced with depth, contributing to a rich tapestry of interwoven stories.
The crew’s commitment to practical effects enhances the film’s authenticity. Stunts are performed with such precision that they add to the overall thrill. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that the viewer remains engaged for the film’s runtime of over two hours.
Action Packed with a $290 Million Budget
The project is helmed by Christopher McQuarrie, who successfully directed the previous two installments, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). His collaboration with Tom Cruise over the years has fostered a strong understanding, making the filmmaking process seamless.
Throughout the film, McQuarrie showcases intense action sequences that leave the audience breathless. He continuously places the lead character in precarious situations, testing Ethan Hunt’s limits.
The crew utilized state-of-the-art techniques to create stunning visual effects. Tom Cruise himself performed several stunts, eliminating the need for a body double. As a result, the film incurred significant expenses for its production design, going beyond traditional sets.
One of the most notable scenes features Ethan Hunt driving a motorcycle off a cliff while being pursued by an enemy. The character must jump from a great height, landing precisely amidst the action. To achieve this, the filming crew had to ensure that the stunts were executed flawlessly.
According to Paramount Pictures, this is the most extensive action sequence ever executed in film history. The scene was filmed on a cliff that rises over 1.5 kilometers high. The crew constructed a 135-meter-long ramp, reaching 10 meters in height, allowing Tom Cruise to perform the breathtaking jump. Should any mishaps occur, the actors would risk their lives.
Another thrilling moment occurs when Ethan Hunt clings to the side of an A400M aircraft as it prepares for takeoff. The angle of the plane creates a visually stunning scene, heightening the viewer’s adrenaline.
Tom Cruise at Age 61
Mission: Impossible 7 also marks Tom Cruise’s official entry into his 61st year. However, audiences are unlikely to sense the passage of time while watching the film. On screen, the star maintains the same youthful energy and striking appearance.
Notably, Tom Cruise captivates viewers with his action scenes. Each time Ethan Hunt embarks on a new mission, the actor brings a fresh intensity to his performance. To prepare for the demanding stunts, Cruise dedicated 15 months to training and rehearsals before executing his motorcycle jump off a cliff.
The production company revealed that Tom Cruise underwent rigorous training, completing over 13,000 motorcycle jumps and 536 practice jumps to perfect his scenes. On set, the star executed the jump multiple times to ensure it was captured perfectly on camera.
Tom Cruise’s dedication has led Mission: Impossible 7 to receive positive reviews from audiences worldwide. The film boasts an impressive “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 99% approval from critics. Its IMDb score is also highly favorable, standing at 8.3/10. The film has elevated the action genre to new heights.
Previously, the Mission: Impossible franchise has consistently impressed audiences, becoming a staple in the action genre. Tom Cruise’s appearance in Top Gun: Maverick helped the film achieve nearly $1.5 billion in revenue. As a result, the production company has invested heavily in this latest installment.
The film’s success will undoubtedly influence the upcoming eighth installment, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 2, set to release next year.
