Ethan’s mission, should he choose to accept it, is to stop the Entity from unleashing global destruction, erasing all of humanity. The only way to stop it is to retrieve its source code, which lies at the bottom of the ocean in a sunken Russian submarine called the Sevastopol.
There are just some problems: Ethan doesn’t know where the Sevastopol is, how to reach it, or what to do with the source code once he finds it. And time is running out. With every passing minute, the Entity grows smarter and more powerful, slipping deeper into the world’s nuclear systems and becoming nearly impossible to contain.
To make matters worse, an old enemy is after him. Gabriel (Esai Morales) is back. And he will stop for nothing to gain control of the source code before Ethan can.As always, Ethan assembles his loyal, tight-knit team. Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), the ever-reliable tech field agent. Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), a veteran hacker. And Grace (Hayley Atwell), a skilled thief turned IMF operative.
Together, they devise a high-stakes plan to outmaneuver both Gabriel and the Entity. It’s not perfect, and unexpected problems always seem to find them, but if there’s one thing this team knows, it’s to find a way.
In his career as Ethan Hunt, it feels like Tom Cruise has done it all. He’s had fistfights on speeding trains, jumped off cliffs on a motorcycle, and scaled one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. And yet, somehow, it still feels like he’s not finished. In Final Reckoning, Cruise pushes his mind and body to their absolute limits, doing everything humanly (and impossibly!) possible to complete one last mission.
This film puts you right on the edge of your seat, thanks to the absurdly spectacular stunts Ethan pulls off. Not every set piece feels entirely original with some moments clearly inspired from earlier Mission: Impossible entries. But they’re still jaw-dropping! And when your lead actor is really filming underwater scenes or dangling off a flying biplane, how can you not be entertained? This is high-octane, no-holds-barred action cinema, led by someone who’s all-in.
When it comes to stunt work, Final Reckoning absolutely earns its flowers. No one else in Hollywood is bold enough (or crazy enough) to do what Tom Cruise does here. That sense of authenticity makes every moment feel bigger, riskier, and more exhilarating. It also makes the film feel bittersweet, if this truly marks his final outing as Ethan Hunt. Cruise is unlike any others. He is a bona fide Hollywood action star.
Anyway, the story takes a little while to find its footing. The first act spends time recapping previous Mission: Impossible films and paying tribute to Ethan’s storied career as an IMF agent. It feels a bit excessive at times, but I get it. It serves as both an emotional sendoff and a narrative continuation of the franchise.
Once the story kicks into gear, it’s pure adrenaline. Problem after problem stacks up, and the film throws in unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing. In many ways, it shines brightest under pressure, when characters are backed into corners and forced to find the most creative solutions to impossible situations. That is where the brilliance of this film franchise really comes through.
As with every Mission: Impossible film, Final Reckoning has its pros and cons. On the upside, the supporting cast remains solid across the board and director Christopher McQuarrie clearly understands Cruise’s vision for the franchise. On the downside, the villain feels vague and nonexistent. It’s more of an abstract threat than a compelling antagonist. Plus, some action tropes here feel a little tired, especially for longtime fans who’ve seen Ethan pull off similar feats before.
Still, for me, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Honestly, I don’t want Tom Cruise to retire Ethan Hunt. I would love to see more Mission: Impossible movies. But I understand that he’s aging and not as agile as before. So if this truly is Cruise’s last hurrah as Hunt, then it’s only fitting that he goes out facing his toughest challenge yet. And judging by what unfolds on screen, he absolutely goes through A LOT. It’s a thrilling, wild ride and a worthy farewell, if it really is the end.
4/5
