In recent years, the world has been captivated by the race towards artificial intelligence. Tom Cruise, along with his peers in the industry, is no exception to this trend, as he prepares for the seventh installment of the action franchise Mission: Impossible. This time, he reprises his role as the talented secret agent Ethan Hunt, facing challenges that have evolved significantly since earlier installments, while his desire to save the world remains undiminished.
In the world of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, humanity continues to grapple with the consequences of a newly developed artificial intelligence system called the Entity, which has reached an alarming level of sophistication, exhibiting self-awareness and a desire to become an autonomous force. The only hope of controlling or eliminating this AI lies in two key components that hold the key to a source code that is currently at risk of being compromised.
Ethan Hunt and the IMF team are tasked with retrieving a key that belongs to the government of the United States. Sources indicate that a key accomplice of his is Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who is holding one of the two components. Following Ilsa’s trail, Hunt uncovers a terrifying secret that lies behind this mission. All nations are eager to seize the Entity, turning it into a weapon that they can wield. Conversely, this AI system also manipulates the elements to target those who would seek to exploit it.
The Best Films of the Mission: Impossible Franchise
Tom Cruise is often praised as “getting better with age.” As a leading A-list star in Hollywood, he not only maintains a firm grip on the box office over the past four decades but his career continues to flourish. Correspondingly, the action franchise closely linked to his name also tends to improve in quality. After three initial installments that were not overly praised, Mission: Impossible has become one of the most anticipated blockbusters globally, with ratings consistently climbing higher.
Rating review from top critics regarding the Mission: Impossible installments.
Following its initial screenings, audiences and critics alike have responded Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One very positively. The film has achieved a score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes based on a total of 148 reviews. This also marks the highest achievement of the franchise in over 25 years.
A familiar hallmark of Mission: Impossible is the constant change in directors throughout the installments, bringing fresh perspectives to each film. However, since Ghost Protocol (2011), Tom Cruise has found a consistent collaborator in director Christopher McQuarrie. He has become the first person to direct two consecutive installments of the franchise: Rogue Nation and Fallout. At the same time, McQuarrie will also join forces with Tom Cruise in what could be the final parts of Mission: Impossible.
Christopher McQuarrie is known as one of the most outstanding screenwriters in the action genre in Hollywood. He has contributed to the success of several beloved films such as The Usual Suspects (1995), Jack Reacher (2012), and Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Therefore, it’s exciting to see Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One feature a screenplay that promises to maintain the thrilling essence of the spy genre.
In this installment, Ethan Hunt finds himself in a critical situation as he must navigate the IMF’s internal strife, unwilling to assist the government in seizing the Entity and turning it into a weapon that could wreak havoc. He becomes the target of the very people he once called allies. Meanwhile, this Entity is also in the process of building its own army to safeguard its own interests. In this age of information technology, every move Ethan Hunt makes is monitored by this advanced AI system, lurking in the shadows.
Throughout the film, the plot details are intricately woven together, allowing the audience to easily grasp the underlying narrative. The opening and closing sequences deliver many surprising twists for viewers, along with a variety of action sequences that showcase the incredible talent of the stunt team. While the film’s pacing may feel somewhat prolonged at times, some plot points may seem predictable and less engaging. Nevertheless, overall, the team succeeds in keeping the audience entertained with swift and compelling storytelling.
Action Sequences Remain a Hallmark of Mission: Impossible
As usual, the most captivating aspect of Mission: Impossible remains the spectacular action sequences, rich in creativity. With a budget of up to $290 million, this is Tom Cruise’s most ambitious project to date. The crew has gone to great lengths to make the most outlandish concepts a reality.
In the opening sequence, Tom Cruise introduces viewers to a series of breathtaking stunts, including a daring underwater sequence where the Entity tries to assert control, culminating in a stunning underwater chase. Shortly after that, Ethan Hunt embarks on a mission in a vast desert to find his ally Ilsa Faust – who is being pursued by a multitude of enemies to reclaim the key component.
As the film progresses, the action scenes are increasingly elevated to new heights. To introduce the new main character – the super spy Grace (played by Hayley Atwell), the team brings in a breathtaking action sequence set on the iconic canals of Venice. The action scene is notably reminiscent of the classic chase aboard the legendary Orient Express.
Additionally, Tom Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts, coupled with the film’s use of practical effects, helps create a distinct contrast compared to other franchises on the market. These sequences are filled with a high level of authenticity, avoiding excessive reliance on CGI, resulting in a more immersive experience. While not overly reliant on dialogue or emotional moments, Tom Cruise always knows how to captivate the audience with his daring stunts.
Rating: 4.5/5
Compared to other summer blockbuster hits, audiences will find it hard to pinpoint any shortcomings in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. This film is a remarkable action spectacle – a true Hollywood blockbuster.
