Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Review: Tom Cruise’s Epic Film Defies Gravity and Expectations

The impossible mission franchise delivers its most spectacular, emotional chapter yet. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a must-see in IMAX!

When the Mission: Impossible franchise began nearly three decades ago, few could have predicted it would evolve into Hollywood’s most consistently thrilling action series. With “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie have crafted what feels like the definitive conclusion—a breathtaking, nearly three-hour spectacle that somehow never drags while delivering the most ambitious action sequences ever committed to film.

The Last Mission Standing

“The Final Reckoning” picks up immediately following the events of “Dead Reckoning Part One,” with Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his loyal team scattered across the globe, desperately trying to stop a rogue AI system called “The Entity” from wreaking havoc on global security systems. What begins as a technological thriller quickly evolves into something more personal, as Hunt confronts ghosts from his past and faces the reality that even the IMF’s most reliable agent must eventually face his limits.

McQuarrie, who has directed the last four installments, demonstrates complete mastery of the franchise’s DNA. He knows precisely when to deploy the signature masks, when to inject humor amidst tension, and most importantly, when to let Cruise do what he does best—perform stunts that defy both logic and human capability.

Defying Gravity, Physics, and Sanity

The action sequences in “Final Reckoning” make the franchise’s previous jaw-dropping moments—from the Burj Khalifa climb to the HALO jump—seem almost quaint in comparison. An early motorcycle chase through the winding streets of Athens evolves into something so preposterous yet meticulously executed that it prompted spontaneous applause in my screening. Later, a sequence involving a rapidly flooding submarine ranks among the most intense set pieces in action cinema history.

What separates these scenes from CGI-heavy superhero fare is Cruise’s unwavering commitment to practical stunt work. At 62, the actor continues pushing boundaries of what’s possible, performing dangerous feats that no insurance company should reasonably approve. There’s an authenticity to the danger that permeates every frame—you’re watching a real human being hanging from actual aircraft, diving into genuine depths, and propelling himself across legitimate chasms.

As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, Cruise’s dedication to practical stunt work has “essentially created a new paradigm for action filmmaking in an era increasingly dominated by digital effects.”

The Emotional Impossible

What truly elevates “Final Reckoning” above mere spectacle is its emotional core. The film delivers surprisingly poignant moments for characters we’ve followed for decades. Rebecca Ferguson returns as the enigmatic Ilsa Faust, bringing depth and complexity to her relationship with Hunt. Simon Pegg’s Benji and Ving Rhames’ Luther—the franchise’s beloved tech wizards—receive satisfying arcs that acknowledge their evolution from sidekicks to essential team members.

Vanessa Kirby’s White Widow returns with more screen time and complexity than before, while newcomer Hayley Atwell firmly establishes herself as a worthy addition to the IMF family. But the film’s true emotional resonance comes from unexpected callbacks to earlier entries, including characters and situations from the very first film that bring Ethan Hunt’s journey full circle.

The third act delivers moments that will leave even the most stoic viewers reaching for tissues—a remarkable achievement for a franchise built primarily on spectacle. McQuarrie and Cruise understand that for Hunt’s final mission to truly matter, the stakes must be personal rather than merely global.

Technical Mastery on Every Level

Cinematographer Fraser Taggart captures breathtaking vistas across multiple continents while maintaining intimate focus during crucial character moments. The IMAX format is utilized to stunning effect, particularly during vertigo-inducing sequences where the full frame expands to immerse viewers completely in the action.

Lorne Balfe’s score brilliantly weaves Lalo Schifrin’s iconic theme throughout new compositions that heighten tension while honoring the franchise’s musical legacy. The sound design deserves special mention—the film’s most harrowing sequences rely as much on audio cues as visual ones to create almost unbearable suspense.

The nearly three-hour runtime feels justified, allowing proper resolution for numerous character arcs while still maintaining relentless forward momentum. Unlike many blockbusters that overstay their welcome, “Final Reckoning” uses its length to enhance both its action sequences and emotional payoffs.

The Ultimate Sendoff

If this truly is Cruise’s final outing as Ethan Hunt (though Hollywood rarely closes doors permanently), “The Final Reckoning” represents the perfect conclusion. The film acknowledges both the character’s superhuman abilities and his very human vulnerabilities, crafting a finale that honors everything fans have loved about the series while still surprising them.

What began in 1996 as a stylish Brian De Palma thriller has evolved into cinema’s most reliable action franchise—one that consistently improved rather than diminished with age. “Final Reckoning” stands as the culmination of everything Mission: Impossible has been building toward: spectacular action grounded in genuine emotion and character development.

In an era where franchises often prioritize setting up future installments over delivering satisfying conclusions, “Final Reckoning” focuses entirely on providing closure. It’s a reminder that endings can be as thrilling as beginnings when executed with such care and craftsmanship.

The Verdict

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” isn’t just the best entry in its franchise—it’s a landmark achievement in action filmmaking that future blockbusters will be measured against. It delivers everything fans could want: breathtaking stunts, genuine emotion, narrative closure, and the reassurance that Tom Cruise remains cinema’s most committed action star.

For nearly thirty years, the Mission: Impossible series has asked us to accept the impossible. With “Final Reckoning,” it delivers something even more remarkable—an action franchise that ends on its own terms, at the absolute peak of its powers. This mission, should you choose to accept it, isn’t just worth seeing—it’s essential viewing in IMAX, where Cruise’s final impossible mission can be experienced as intended: bigger, louder, and more spectacular than anything else in theaters.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is now playing exclusively in theaters nationwide, with IMAX presentations offering the complete visual experience as intended by the filmmakers.