Mission Impossible : The Final Reckoning Sends Off Tom Cruise With Nostalgia Snowballed In Action Spetacles

Starring : Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales
Director : Christopher McQuarrie
Producers : Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie
Music Director : Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey
Cinematographer : Fraser Taggart
Editor : Eddie Hamilton


Overall Rating : 3.5/5 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXfl6nyltRo

The eighth and (for now) final installment in the explosive Mission: Impossible action-thriller saga—like the last piece detached from some wildly futuristic Apollo spacecraft, shooting skyward in a blaze as Tom Cruise transcends mere stardom and intellectual property. With its warning against AI and skepticism toward the internet, and a jaw-dropping aerial climax, this film sees Cruise once again championing the true big-screen spectacle. And, as always, he performs his own death-defying stunts—just as he once explained, for the same reason Gene Kelly did all his own dancing.

Final Reckoning presents a new and ultimate test—really the continuation of the threat introduced in the previous film—that sends Cruise’s fit and ingenious IMF leader, Ethan Hunt, on one final rogue mission. As usual, it’s a disavowed operation that frustrates his uptight bosses in Washington and Langley, while still leaving them in awe. And what’s the objective this time? The same as always: saving the world.

 Plot : Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is back with his IMF (Impossible Mission Force) team to take down The Entity, a powerful rogue AI threatening global security. Blocking his path is Gabriel (Esai Morales), a deadly adversary from Ethan’s past who aims to seize control of the AI. In a heartbreaking twist, Gabriel kills Luther (Ving Rhames) to get hold of a critical component known as the “Poison Pill.” With the world on the brink, the U.S. President assigns Ethan one final mission—to bring an end to the unfolding chaos. What follows is a relentless, high-stakes adventure packed with tension, sacrifice, and breathtaking action.

What We Loved : There’s no question — Tom Cruise is the driving force of the film. His commitment to performing his own stunts is still unmatched. Whether he’s submerged in a submarine or pulling off intense aerial stunts in a small aircraft, he commands the screen from start to finish. The action is massive, daring, and expertly executed.

What We Liked : One of the film’s most unexpected and rewarding moments is the return of Rolf Saxon as William Donloe — a nod to the original 1996 movie. His reappearance isn’t just a nostalgic treat, but also adds meaningful emotional weight for longtime fans.

What We Missed : Although the action is unquestionably exciting, the story itself falls short of being truly compelling. The narrative relies too much on visual spectacle, often pushing the plot into the background. The pacing—particularly in the latter half—feels inconsistent and at times drags.

Gabriel, the main antagonist, comes across as underwritten, despite his crucial role in the story. His past with Ethan is briefly touched on but never fully developed, leaving little emotional resonance. For a concluding chapter, a more layered and impactful villain would have elevated the overall experience.

The Climax : Just as no Mission: Impossible film is complete without Tom Cruise’s signature sprint, it also wouldn’t be one without him clinging to something at a ridiculous height. This time, he’s hanging onto the wing of a vintage propeller plane high up in the sky. As Anthony Hopkins memorably said in MI:2: “It’s not ‘Mission Difficult’, is it?”

Conclusion : If you are someone who loves Tom Cruise and has been a fan of the franchise, it is unmissable for you. Overall, Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning delivers the high-energy action and stunning visuals fans expect. Tom Cruise once again shows why he’s the heart of the franchise, bringing relentless intensity and dedication to every scene. While the plot and villain leave room for improvement, the film’s emotional beats and nostalgic callbacks offer a rewarding farewell. For longtime fans or anyone who enjoys edge-of-your-seat spy thrillers, this is a must-watch. Strap in for one last exhilarating adventure with Ethan Hunt — you won’t want to miss it.