Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, the eighth installment in the beloved franchise, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14, showcasing its high-octane thrills and larger-than-life visuals, making it an ideal cinematic experience best enjoyed on the big screen. Despite the previous perception that adding a commercial pop franchise to Cannes might diminish its prestige, the festival’s decision to feature such a film highlights the ongoing need to elevate the importance of the cinematic experience at a time when it faces numerous challenges.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who co-wrote the screenplay, Final Reckoning picks up after the events of 2023’s Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One. The plot revolves around protagonist Ethan Hunt, portrayed by Tom Cruise, who finds himself tasked with the perilous mission of neutralizing an all-knowing AI entity, known as the Entity. To succeed, he must retrieve a device called the Podkova, which holds vital information about the AI’s source code. However, this task is complicated by the villain Gabriel, played by Esai Morales, who possesses the crucial “Poison Pill” needed to render the Entity powerless.
The film features a returning cast, including Ving Rhames as Luther and Simon Pegg as tech-savvy Benji, alongside the introduction of new characters like Grace, played by Haley Atwell, who serves both as Ethan’s ally and romantic interest. However, some critics have noted shortcomings in the storytelling, emphasizing that the plot often feels fragmented and overloaded with exposition. Despite this, there are moments of sheer spectacle, particularly highlighted in a thrilling aerial stunt sequence involving biplanes that captivates audiences.
Cruise embodies the character of Ethan Hunt with his signature charisma and physicality, demonstrating that he remains a captivating figure in cinema. The enthusiasm from the Cannes audience during moments featuring Cruise underscores the enduring appeal of star power in the film industry.
Even as critics recognize the film’s flaws, there is an underlying appreciation for its ambition and the excitement it brings to the screen. While Final Reckoning may not single-handedly save the big-screen experience, it does offer moments of joy and excitement, reminding us of the magic cinema can create when aligned with action-packed storytelling. In an era filled with uncertainty for movie theaters, it’s hopeful to see such enthusiasm and support for films that aim to bring audiences together in shared experiences.