Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One

 

Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One is the latest chapter in the almost 30-year-old action franchise. The first of the two-part finale throws Ethan Hunt and the IMF team into a race against time to stop a terrifying new weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff and Ving Rhames.

The plot was an action-packed ride from very first frame. Tightly choreographed fight sequences in claustrophobic spaces, death-defying stunts, and nonstop action will keep the audience glued to the screen and on the edge of their seats. The twists and turns are also well-placed, keeping you guessing until the end.

The villain, while a bit unconventional, reflects the growing anxieties around artificial intelligence in our evolving world. It's a thought-provoking choice that adds depth to the typically straightforward Mission: Impossible plot.

One of the things I like about Mission: Impossible casting is that they do try to reprise a many characters as they can from previous films. So it was nice seeing Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby all reprising their roles. I liked the callback to the original 1996 film with the return of Henry Czerny's Eugene Kittridge, adding a layer of nostalgia and tying the franchise's history into the present. However, the film stumbled when it came to a couple of its female characters. Hayley Atwell's Grace fell into the damsel-in-distress trope, reminiscent of Thandiwe Newton's Nyah in Mission: Impossible 2. Hopefully, Part Two will offer her more autonomy and agency for Grace. Pom Klementieff's Paris, despite being a skilled actress, remained largely voiceless throughout the film. While her mysterious presence and combat skills were intriguing, leaving a talented actress with minimal lines and character development was a missed opportunity, especially considering the lack of female minority representation in the film.

Despite these flaws, Dead Reckoning Part One is a thrilling and entertaining blockbuster. The action sequences are some of the best in the franchise, the twists are satisfying, and the villain raises interesting questions about our future. While the film could do better with its female characters and minority representation, it remains a fun and adrenaline-fueled ride that leaves you eager for the next chapter.