Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning 1 Review: Tom Cruise really, really wants to save cinema
The latest instalment in the Mission Impossible franchise bursts onto the screen with an explosiveness and surprising timeliness that goes above and beyond what fans have come to expect.
Helmed by the talented director Christopher McQuarrie, the spy action flick weaves a complex web of intrigue, danger, and eponymously impossible missions that will leave audiences dangling on the edge of their seats as always, breaths bated.
Returning as the iconic Ethan Hunt, the indomitable spirit that is Tom Cruise, delivers another captivating performance, embodying the unwavering determination of every single one of the myriad impassioned aficionados out to ‘save cinema’ as we know it.
At 61, he is still tackling death-defying stunts that make us mere mortals quake in our boots. The man is a legend, and his cool, composed green eyes say more than words ever could (which is’t necessarily a comment on his abilities as an actor of course). Whether he's staring down an oncoming train or contemplating the best angle to fling himself off a mountain, his unmistakable emerald peepers are the showstealing windows to this exhilarating new journey.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and newcomer Hayley Atwell, breathing new life into their characters and instilling in them a level of intimacy that felt almost uncharacteristic to the franchise.
At a staggering budget of $291 million, Dead Reckoning Part One is a visual spectacle of epic proportions. The film's breathtaking set pieces, meticulously choreographed action sequences, and jaw-dropping stunts are a testament to the dedication and skill of the filmmakers and performers involved.
From the heart-stopping chase through the streets of Rome to the pulse-pounding showdown aboard a speeding train, each moment exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of modern-day action filmmaking, and more importantly, their ability to reinvent an otherwise tasteless genre to vast new heights.
And complementing the pulse-pounding sequences is MI veteran Lorne Balfe rivetting original score, rarely relenting in its stupendous scale and texture.
However, surprisingly enough, Dead Reckoning could not be reduced only to pretty-to-look-at bursts of adrenaline.
What sets this seventh instalment apart from its predecessors and other contemporary action blockbusters is its unwavering commitment to grounding its characters in livid experiences.
While the action takes centre stage, the film takes moments to explore the genuine camaraderie and bond shared by Hunt and his team. These quieter, introspective moments provide a welcome respite from the relentless pace customary to the franchise and heightens the emotional stakes to its maximum potential when danger looms.
That said, the film occasionally falls into the trap of prioritising speed over substance. The rapid-fire editing and frenetic pacing, while undoubtedly intentional to create tension, can be disorienting at times. It feels as though the dialogue is cut short prematurely, preventing certain scenes from fully resonating with the audience.
In an era where the lines between reality and virtuality blur, Dead Reckoning also acts as a timely wake-up call. Christopher McQuarrie, the mastermind behind this cinematic endeavour, skillfully weaves narrative threads of espionage and intrigue to explore the delicate balance between humanity and the ever-encroaching realm of digital innovation.
The formidable main antagonist in the film known only as ‘the Entity’, represents the culmination of our collective anxieties surrounding the unchecked growth and malevolence of artificial intelligence. It serves as a metaphorical cautionary tale, a reminder that our relentless pursuit of technological progress may have unintended consequences.
With wit and sophistication, Dead Reckoning confronts the ethical and existential questions that arise as AI becomes increasingly entwined with our daily lives. The film’s deliberate, (and at times almost parodic) social commentary stands as a beacon of intellectual engagement in the midst of the mindless blockbuster fare that often saturates the cinematic landscape.
The most baffling part of it all however is the prescience of the very same thematic undertones. With the onset of the AI wars throwing the world into disarray and the expediency with which technological innovations are threatening the very fabrics of the film industry, it seems awfully convenient, almost unbelievable even, how the release of the film has somehow managed to fulfil as many SEO criteria to make it as contemporaneous as it could possibly be.
The real-world parallels are impossible to ignore (a certain submarine-related incident of late, comes to mind), and Cruise and McQuarrie's nearly clairvoyant creative decisions have propelled the franchise in directions that were impossible to fathom.
Through the lens of Hunt and his team, the film highlights the importance of trust in our analog world, emphasising the value of human connection and authentic experiences. Because at the end of the day, that’s exactly what Cruise and a bunch of other Hollywood stalwarts have been striving for - the holistic theatrical experience that brings people together again. And that’s exactly what it has delivered.
Amid the industry’s ongoing unionised efforts to to prioritise the preservation of human essence amidst the encroaching tide of artificial intelligence, McQuarrie’s narrative finesse is a resounding testament on how human ingenuity will always inevitably run circles around the pitfalls of unfettered technological advancement.
With its astute social commentary, that doesn't bother taking itself as seriously as we would believe, Dead Reckoning transcends the confines of mere entertainment and enters the realm of some much needed food-for-thought, to deliver a thoroughly entertaining and captivating cinematic experience.
As the first part of a two-part story, the future of Mission Impossible is a very real and very human force to be reckoned with.
We're going with 4 out of 5 stars for Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1.