Anna Daniels
A Journey of Feelings
I was unprepared for the surge of emotions brought on by Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. This movie, presented as the definitive conclusion of one of Hollywood’s longest-running action series, has left reviewers and viewers in a whirlwind. Is it a cinematic triumph or a chaotic experience? Opinions vary widely depending on whom you speak to. Much like a thrilling car chase that exhilarates but sometimes falters, the film’s grand aspirations can be both its highlight and its flaw.
In anticipation of its glamorous premiere at Cannes on May 14, 2025, followed by its global release on May 23, 2025, early press screenings have ignited a flurry of discussions. Some praise it as the ultimate summer action flick, while others criticize its unwieldy length and narrative flaws. Let’s explore why this final mission is creating such a stir among audiences—and whether it’s worthy of your ticket purchase.
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The Highlights: Stunning Action
The Mission: Impossible series has always aimed to set new boundaries, and The Final Reckoning is no exception. Tom Cruise, now 62, remains defiant against gravity and logic with his practical stunts, leaving audiences speechless. From edge-of-your-seat chases to breathtaking scenes, this film is a true celebration of cinematic grandeur.
The technical achievements of the film, particularly its IMAX presentation, are commendable. @patbreviews acknowledged this, stating, “MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING starts slowly, but once it gets going, it delivers some of the MOST SPECTACULAR MOMENTS the franchise has ever presented” (X post). For those who love the series’ thrilling energy, this is Mission: Impossible at its boldest.
The Flaws: An Excessive Plot
However, here lies a harsh reality: ambition can come with its own set of challenges. At 170 minutes, The Final Reckoning really tests the patience of its viewers. Critics argue that its expansive storyline—focused on Ethan Hunt’s effort to thwart a rogue AI known as “the Entity”—trades pacing and character depth for grand spectacle. The film’s intricate exposition and nostalgic references occasionally feel like it’s burdening itself with too much history.
David Ehrlich of Indiewire was frank in his feedback: “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is tedious and flawed in ways I didn’t think this series could be. While the action set pieces are undeniably impressive, as a supporter of Tom Cruise’s mission to save cinema, this was a significant disappointment” (GoldDerby). Similarly, Chris Evangelista from /Film labeled it “incredibly chaotic, with too much exposition,” although he conceded that the final act was “so intense and stunning it nearly made me feel sick (in a good way)” (SlashFilm).
X user @JamesPPoole encapsulated the critical feedback: “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING can be M:I at its finest, with massive stunts and intricate espionage. Unfortunately, it gets mired in nostalgia and unnecessary retcons that showcase the downsides of franchise filmmaking” (X post). Amidst the thrilling sequences, there are moments that feel overly ambitious.
Historical Context: The Final Chapter Conundrum
To grasp the reasons behind The Final Reckoning‘s mixed reviews, we must consider the legacy of Mission: Impossible. Since its inception in 1996, the series has transformed from a stylish espionage thriller into a worldwide phenomenon, accumulating over $1 billion in revenue, with 2018’s Fallout recognized as its peak (Variety). Each installment has raised the bar for stunts and storytelling, but concluding a series comes with unique challenges: it must resolve lingering plot threads while still delivering captivating new thrills.
This tension isn’t unique to this franchise. Avengers: Endgame (2019) delighted fans with emotional payoffs, although some found it overstuffed. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) encountered criticism for its convoluted storyline and reliance on fan service. The Final Reckoning navigates similar pitfalls, attempting to mesh callbacks to earlier films with a new AI threat. Its mixed responses indicate that it might not resonate with everyone, though its technical merits—such as Cruise’s daring stunts and McQuarrie’s grand vision—distinguish it from lesser blockbusters.
| Film | Year | Runtime | Critical Reception | Box Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission: Impossible—Fallout | 2018 | 147 min | Highly praised | $791M |
| Avengers: Endgame | 2019 | 181 min | Mostly favorable | $2.8B |
| Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | 142 min | Mixed | $1.1B |
| Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning | 2025 | 170 min | Mixed (initial reactions) | TBD |
Box Office Challenges and Audience Devotion
With an estimated production budget of $400 million, The Final Reckoning needs to pull in roughly $1 billion to break even—a daunting challenge given the current mixed feedback (World of Reel). Early forecasts suggest an opening weekend of around $80 million, but unfavorable reviews could diminish that figure significantly. Nonetheless, the series’ dedicated fanbase and Cruise’s undeniable star power remain strong assets. As X user @DarkOfTheMovie remarked, “No negative review for Mission Impossible Final Reckoning can mislead me. When Tom Cruise asks you to trust him one last time, you do what he says” (X post).
A Movie That Needs the Big Screen
This film will either captivate you or leave you dissatisfied. Here’s the crux: The Final Reckoning embodies a contradiction—it aims for the extraordinary but sometimes falters under its own weight. Its action sequences are exemplary of blockbuster filmmaking, yet the sprawling narrative might have you glancing at your watch. Still, Cruise’s dedication is undeniable. This is a film meant to be seen in IMAX, where every stunt impacts like a thunderclap.
As the Mission: Impossible saga (perhaps) reaches its conclusion, it serves as a testament to Cruise’s unrelenting drive for cinematic excellence. Whether it stands out as a remarkable ending or a flawed journey, it sparks conversation. Would you take the chance to miss out on what might become the most discussed movie of the summer? Share your opinions below.
