Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

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It’s been 27 years since the first Mission: Impossible movie, and some fans may be wondering if the series is still good. The answer is a resounding yes. Tom Cruise is one of the last true movie stars in the world, and his star power is so strong that he can sell a film based on name recognition alone. Last year’s Top Gun: Maverick was fine, but let’s be honest: it was the jaw-dropping stunts and practical film-making that truly captivated audiences.

Fortunately, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One follows the same formula, proving once again that Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie are masters of the action genre.

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In the latest installment of the franchise, billed as its penultimate, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team must race against time to stop a “the Entity”, a rogue AI program that’s managed to infiltrate major defense, military systems, and intelligence networks, posing a grave threat to humanity. With world powers competing for control, time is running out.

Ethan and his team embark on a globe-trotting mission to find the keys that unlock the Entity’s chambers. Their goal is to destroy the rogue AI by accessing the chambers on a sunken Russian submarine. However, our heroes face formidable adversaries, including Gabriel (Esai Morales), a former ally of Ethan’s who has turned against him and serves as the film’s main antagonist.

But it’s not just within this fictional world that AI poses a threat; it’s also a pressing issue in today’s real-world landscape, particularly within the artistic community. Hollywood’s uncertain environment, plagued by the risks of AI and unfair wages, makes it commendable that Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise have presciently made a film with a timely message, emphasizing the importance of human choice over artificial intelligence. The film is a reminder that humans ultimately control our own destiny, even in a world increasingly dominated by machines.

Veteran MI favorites Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson all dazzle as usual, but it’s Hayley Atwell’s Grace, new character, who steals the spotlight as a mysterious figure who’s both a formidable opponent and valuable ally to Ethan Hunt. She is a skilled fighter and clever thief, bringing considerable star power and enthusiasm to the role, quickly becoming one of the most memorable characters in the film.

As much as the storyline is timely and compelling, the action sequences are exhilarating and daring, which isn’t surprising given the franchise’s pedigree. Standouts include a high-speed car chase through the historic streets of Rome, a daring leap on a motorcycle off a cliff (the one featured heavily in the marketing), and a breathtaking climax on a train hurtling towards a collapsed bridge. The stunts in this film are as jaw-dropping as ever, showcasing the franchise’s – and its indomitable star’s – commitment to pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking.

Ultimately, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is an exciting, edge-of-your-seat action blockbuster that delivers on all fronts and an absolute must-see for fans of the franchise and action genre enthusiasts. It offers a thrilling, thought-provoking, and visually stunning experience that hits all the right notes. The only downside is that it’s just the first part, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next installment. Personally, I can’t wait for it to arrive.