Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Review: An Adrenaline-Pumping Experience
Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Esai Morales, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Where to Watch: In Theaters
Filmyhype.com Ratings: 4/5 (four stars) [yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is the seventh film in the historic action saga that has had Cruise as the protagonist and producer since 1996. This is the first chapter of what could be Ethan Hunt’s last adventure. The conditional is a must, as director and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie has confirmed that the franchise should continue even after the second part of Dead Reckoning. Tom Cruise has done it again. After the extraordinary success of Top Gun: Maverick, which in one of the most complicated moments in cinema history “saved the film industry”, Steven Spielberg’s words; Cruise returns with another film designed for the theatrical experience. Waiting to find out if the second chapter will arrive in theaters as early as 2024, we explain why Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is a great action film that deserves to be seen at the cinema.
After the dizzying emotions of the spectacular Mission: Impossible – Fallout, how can you even imagine a sequel? Well, if you’re Tom Cruise, movie star and producer, and director Christopher McQuarrie is with you, you can easily try to raise the bar and set a stylistic breakthrough. But what if all of this has to be done during an epidemic, in various international locations, at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars? All the better. This is the case with Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (in theaters on July 12), a massive attempt to once again excite viewers, who are far fewer today than five years ago. Dead Reckoning’s gamble, with its myriad locations, gargantuan budget, and death-defying stunts, is considerable. We’ll have to see how it pays for itself at the box office. In creative terms, however, the accounts, all things considered, add up.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Review: The Story Plot
It’s been several years since Cruise and McQuarrie first wondered who the film’s villain would be. In the end, they settled on a solution that in hindsight proved to be more relevant than ever: artificial intelligence. Ethan Hunt is faced with what seems more than ever an impossible mission: to defeat an omnipotent entity. The IMF agent is called to recover two mysterious keys, the ones that in the wrong hands could give life to a conflict of global proportions. In a society dominated by technology, this Entity represents the ultimate weapon for control of the planet. We, therefore, find a man opposed to the AI, who is joined by the “tangible” antagonist Gabriel (Esai Morales).
It is not obvious to create a compelling plot when the villain knows all the moves of the protagonist and anticipates some twists for the viewer. Yet it works. Dead Reckoning does not have an impeccable script, but if we have to be honest, this is not the reason why the saga has been able to entertain millions of viewers. The plot, which in this case is still solid but a little too pretentious, is mostly an excuse to give life to an entertainment blockbuster faithful to the canons of the franchise: action, practical effects, and a great cast. Because Mission Impossible 7 is an adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience that relies on its spectacular action scenes and the charisma of its protagonists, to the detriment of some narrative choices also influenced by the troubled production in a full health emergency.
The Mission: Impossible saga has been able to conquer the public thanks to the stunts of Tom Cruise and his supporting actors. Dead Reckoning is no less, with some of the most incredible sequences of the entire franchise. In the first place what was the spearhead in the promotion of the film by Paramount Pictures: the scene in which Cruise throws himself off a cliff aboard a motorbike? Breathtaking images are seen on the big screen. And to think that it’s not even the best action sequence in the film. The quality is so high that it becomes difficult to choose between the phenomenal third-act film and the car chase through the streets of Rome.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Review and Analysis
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One is the seventh installment of one of the most beloved and longest-running action sagas ever, and continues to deliver heart-pounding thrills, dizzying twists, and heart-pounding action sequences. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, this latest episode of the Mission Impossible series brings Tom Cruise back to the screen in the role of the charismatic and resourceful Ethan Hunt, engaging viewers in an adrenaline-pumping adventure around the world lasting two and a half hours. In Dead Reckoning, the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) is faced with its greatest challenge yet. A shadowy organism, known only as “The Entity”, has emerged, plotting to wreak havoc on a global scale. As Hunt and his team embark on their mission, secrets unfold and unexpected alliances blur the lines between friend and foe, truth and lie.
The threat is everywhere and nowhere, and the key to getting to its center is the same that allows access to an immaterial Holy Grail for which everyone is ready to fight and die. Tom Cruise proves once again why he is the quintessential action star. At 61, Cruise shows no signs of letting up, and his portrayal of Ethan Hunt who is suspended between a shadowy past and a risky future, is ready for anything. At once fearless and vulnerable, he showcases the determination and resilience of a character who never loses sight of his team and never leaves anyone behind. The supporting cast, including Simon Pegg as tech genius Benji, Ving Rhames as loyal Luther, Rebecca Ferguson as the enigmatic Ilsa Faust, and newcomer Grace played by Hayley Atwell deliver solid performances that add chemistry to the ensemble. Gripping high-speed action sequences continues to be a strong point of the saga.
Launch yourself into a chase through the busy streets of a very bright Rome to then descend into the alleys of a lunar Venice, on whose waters a game of mirrors is reflected where the mind wavers up to a spectacular base-jumping sequence that leaves you breathless, the director by McQuarrie marks a pressing and very tight rhythm, but not for this repetitive. The moments of intense suspense alternate with well-balanced humor, which offers short but necessary pauses before diving back into the action. Aesthetically, the film is a real feast for the eyes. The cinematography captures exceptional landscapes and fast-paced urban scenes, and the detailed sets and the use of well-crafted effects and CGI are blended flawlessly, creating a visually immersive experience that enhances the storytelling.
But technology enters the story beyond the technical spectacularity and reaches another depth: the underground and increasingly pervasive depth of artificial intelligence, which, by introducing a sense of unpredictability and problematic nature, allows the film to explore the ethical implications and possible consequences of AI in the world of espionage (but not only), raising questions about ethics, autonomy and the ever-changing role of technology in the field of global security. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is a self-contained story, but the second part of the film is a perfect hook for the sequel, expected next summer. And while the complexity of the plot may prove a test for some, with its pounding pace, stunt-defying stunts, and knots of intrigue tightening at every turn of the narrative, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. from start to finish and is a worthy addition to the saga.
The great revelations of the film, however, are two new entries: Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy) and above all Hayley Atwell (Captain America – The First Avenger). She plays Grace, a cunning thief whose first meeting with Ethan seems entirely fortuitous. In the course of the film, however, she has an important evolution, the events that follow shape her personality and her abilities. The most fascinating aspect of Grace is that she is the first character of the team who does not belong to this world of spies and secret missions. She ends up stealing the show from everyone, even Tom Cruise. It would not be surprising if she was to take over from Ethan Hunt after the second part of Dead Reckoning. If so, the future of the saga would be in very good hands.
Unlike most of the other films in the saga, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One tries to dig into the interiority of the protagonist and his relationship with the other characters. However, the result is mediocre, as it fails to add the emotional component that he would have liked. Even what should have been Dead Reckoning’s most moving moment goes almost unnoticed. The same cannot be said of the well-balanced humor, which contributes to making Dead Reckoning an even more entertaining action movie. If we add a fast pace and great attention to the technical aspects, here are all the ingredients that make Dead Reckoning a formidable entertainment blockbuster.
The direction in the action sequences is excellent. The Rome chase is proof of this, for which great credit must be given to McQuarrie for having been able to impeccably direct Cruise at the wheel of the yellow 500 (with one hand). Certainly, Fast X would have a lot to learn. Every shot is crafted for the cinematic experience. Cruise is especially fond of premium formats, namely Imax and Dolby Atmos projections. The film is designed to be viewed on the largest possible screen and with an audio system capable of keeping up with top-notch sound editing. Without going too far, Dead Reckoning is a film that must be seen to be appreciated.
Films with excessive length have become a habit in recent months. 2 hours and 43 is a long time, even for Tom Cruise. Overall Dead Reckoning still comes out well, thanks to an extremely smooth first half of the film and a second which, although weighed down by many more dialogues, manages to keep the viewer’s attention high. In any case, cutting some scenes and lighting a complex plot would certainly have benefited the film. But it’s not just the length that brings Dead Reckoning into line with recent Hollywood blockbusters. After Dune, Fast X, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, here is another first chapter of a film divided into two parts. Yet, of those mentioned, Dead Reckoning is undoubtedly the most self-contained. Let me be clear, there are many questions left open. At least, however, this Part One manages to stimulate curiosity for the second part, closing satisfactorily. Ethan Hunt hasn’t completed his latest mission yet, but Tom Cruise has already nailed it.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Review: The Last Words
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is an action movie of the highest level, thanks to the spectacular choreography of the action sequences. An imperfect plot surrounds the stunts of Tom Cruise and associates in Ethan Hunt’s mission: to defeat artificial intelligence. The direction, sound editing, and photography are the icing on the cake of a film which, despite being one part, gives a sense of completeness. Pure entertainment, an adrenaline-pumping experience to be enjoyed on the big screen. Maybe it doesn’t reach the heights touched by Fallout, but it’s close.
