Staff Reports
The latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, titled “Mission: Impossible- The Final Reckoning,” leaves much to be desired. While Tom Cruise continues to embody the quintessential action star, even his charisma cannot salvage a convoluted plot suffocated by weak character portrayals and dubious motivations. Set against an increasingly familiar backdrop of AI, nuclear threats, and high-speed chases, the film does offer some engaging moments, yet overall it feels like a missed opportunity.
The central antagonist, known simply as Gabriel, played by Si Morales, aims to control a rogue AI dubbed “the Entity.” This AI has supposedly taken a dislike to humanity and plans to trigger nuclear annihilation while saving itself for an uncertain future. But this premise, already a cliché in the realm of action films, suffers from significant gaps in logic. Why hijack all of Earth’s nuclear arsenal when a targeted strike could achieve the same result? Rather than crafting an intelligent villain with a well-defined motive, the story settles for a faceless threat. This lack of depth leaves viewers questioning the stakes, dulling their investment in the outcome.
Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt is, as always, a marvel to watch, performing stunts with an energy that belies his age of 62. He spends much of the film running — a skill he has perfected over four decades. However, even his remarkable physicality cannot compensate for the narrative’s failings. Whether he’s attempting impossible escapes or striving against time, the muscle of the film is often overshadowed by the paper-thin plot. Without meaningful tension, viewers might find themselves chuckling rather than gasping during moments that should be breathless.
Additionally, Cruise’s character faces some odd narrative choices. The introduction of a love interest, played by Haley Atwell, falls flat, largely due to poor writing. She is portrayed more as a plot device than as a fully fleshed-out character. This awkward dynamic raises questions about the chemistry intended between the two leads, which fails to materialize on screen. If the film’s emotional stakes are less than convincing, it’s even harder to engage the audience’s feelings toward the climactic moments.
While one or two supporting characters, such as Luther, played by Ving Rhames, bring some emotional weight to the story, the overall ensemble is diminished by inconsistent character development. Gabriel, for all his menacing laughter and threats, is a typical villain lacking a compelling rationale. The film’s conclusion lacks that decisive victory moment, which can presume a sense of closure, instead leaving viewers hanging and wondering why they should care about this AI struggle. If an audience is left feeling indifferent rather than emotionally invested when the credits roll, the filmmakers may have missed their target.
In summary, “Missio:n Impossible- The Final Reckoning” may satisfy die-hard fans of the franchise eager for another Cruise-led thrill ride, but it does little to expand upon the established lore or elevate the stakes memorably. With a lengthy runtime and a plot that leaves too many questions unanswered, it is ultimately an uninspired outing lacking the remarkable spark that once made these films an absolute must-see. For those contemplating watching, it may be worth waiting for the streaming drop rather than making the trek to the theater. With a rating of two stars out of four, it stands as a reminder that even the most formidable action star can’t always rescue a film plagued by poor writing and weak villains.
