Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One is 7th film in the Mission Impossible franchise. Tom Cruise once again stars as Ethan Hunt and does some of the craziest stunt work you will ever see on film. Everyone has already seen the clip of Cruise riding a bike off a cliff but there's even more insane stunt work in this film. Supporting Cruise in this film are franchise regulars Simon Pegg, Ving Rhameas, Rebecca Ferguson, and Vanessa Kirby. Pom Klementieff is a new mysterious addition that adds a new level of badass to the franchise. Hayley Atwell is another new addition that knocks it out of the park. Atwell's performance in this film will give her more opportunities in high profile films which is good to see. Esai Morales is also another new addition to the franchise that has a past with Cruise's character. With all of these new additions and crazy stunt work, the question is: does Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One deliver again for the franchise?
Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One delivers again for the Mission Impossible franchise. This film is one of the best films of 2023. The film runs at 2 hours and 43 minutes but it does not feel like it all. The film is fast paced with many incredible action sequences that leave your jaw on the floor. This movie is meant for the big screen. Director Christopher McQuarrie and Cruise even tell you that before the film starts. The film follows Hunt as he accepts another mission from returning character Kittridge. Hunt is searching for a two keys that will give massive power to whoever holds it. If in the wrong hands, the keys could destroy the world.
Throughout watching this film, all I kept thinking is how Tom Cruise is only getting better with age as both an actor and a storyteller. He is a rare breed in today's Hollywood. He is one of a few movie stars where his movies are a must see. The other one is Leonardo DiCaprio but at this point Cruise's films excite me more. His films keep getting better and better with his love of storytelling and amazing stunt work even if some of those stunts can kill him. His commitment to entertaining the audience makes me respect him more than any other actor.
Even though this is Cruise's film, Hayley Atwell steals the show. Her character Grace is a fresh addition to the franchise. Her character is only evolving and I am excited to see what her future holds in the franchise. Because of this film, Atwell will get more opportunities in high profile films. Atwell wasn't given enough to do in the Marvel films so it's nice to have her in a prominent role in a big franchise.
The action sequences in Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One are breathtaking. They leave you on the edge of your seat. There's one sequence where Hunt (Tom Cruise) and Grace (Hayley Atwell) are in a car chase through the streets of Italy. That car chase was one of the best in film history. It's even more impressive that there was no CGI and Cruise and Atwell did their own driving. That is what I love about these films. Everything is authentic and it makes me appreciate the film even more than I already do.
In typical Mission Impssible fashion, there are many twists and turns throughout the film. All of them are pretty justified and further the story in a good direction. This film is the most emotional film in the franchise. Ethan Hunt goes through a lot of emotions in this film. Stuff from his past arises and he needs to figure out how to deal with that. It also seems like this chapter of the franchise is done and a new chapter is arriving. The next film is planned to be release in 2024 but with the WGA and SAG strike a delay is likely to happen.
Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One leaves you excited for part two. The film does a good job of not leaving you on a cliffhanger but still wanting more. The franchise is at it's best it has ever been. It is impressive considering that this is the 7th film and the excitement for the franchise is at its peak with fans clamoring for more.
Grade: A
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