Mission Impossible movies almost always get bigger and crazier with each subsequent film that is released. And after so many years, it’s impressive to see popular actor Tom Cruise still have the mettle to do his own stunts in an action-packed film that is fun to watch. Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 keeps the momentum going and shows that Tom Cruise doesn’t have any plans of stopping anytime soon. The missions are high-stakes, the stunts are exciting, and the promise of more to come makes the first part of a bigger story very intriguing. This is definitely a mission you should choose to accept watching if you’ve been with the series for so long, but still just as great for anyone who just loves to have a good time watching a movie.
The first part of Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning has Ethan Hunt and the rest of the team at IMF taking on a mission to find a special key that unlocks a powerful weapon. The various world superpowers, including the US government, are racing to get the key and gain control of the weapon that has the ability to control information and shape the future in various ways through the use of computer A. I. system. If Ethan and the IMF don’t get to the key first, whichever country or powerful organization will be able to shift the balance of world power in their favor. But in the midst of all that, Ethan will have to face a longtime enemy, gather new allies, and make the choice if the lives of his loved ones matter more than the fate of the world they live in.
If there’s one thing that Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 falls short on, it’s how elements of the story can get lost in all the craziness. A lot of characters come in and out of the plot, and their motivations and significance to Ethan’s mission isn’t always clear. Pom Klementieff, who plays the assassin Paris, appears suddenly in the movie and frequently goes after Ethan and his newest ally Grace, played by Hayley Atwell. And while the confrontations with her are great, the majority of the movie doesn’t give much to her backstory or place here, at least until the very end where things are still not fully detailed.
The same can be said for a few other characters that chase Ethan and the IMF across the globe, such as the agents Eugene and Davis. They are there when the plot needs them to be around, but don’t expect a lot of details as to why. The movie is more focused on getting pieces in place to set up big action sequences and tense moments where things are moving forward, rather than dragging on any details.
The same can also be said of Ethan’s allies in the IMF. Both Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames reprise their roles as Benji and Luther from previous films, as well as Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa. Luckily there’s a bit more backstory and setup given at various points of the story that give more importance to each member, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything when they’re involved. The newest member of the group, Grace, has a neat introduction that brings her and Ethan together in both a comedic and clever way that feels on-brand for the series. Nothing feels ham-fisted with her coming into the story, and the payoffs for some of the dialogue and references between her and Ethan are fun to see unfold.
But everything mentioned is a supporting part to the action sequences that you get in Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1. They are fantastic in every way possible. Everything from car chases, shootouts, and even Tom Cruise running across a distance are done with an element of style and in service to the viewing experience. There are sequences that involve a train and Ethan jumping off a cliff with a motorcycle from the trailers that are every bit as epic as you imagine they would be. The choreography in the hand-to-hand combat is fierce and the explosions from big moments throughout look incredible.
Even if you never knew that most of the action scenes were done practically or that Tom Cruise was doing his own big stunts, you’d still be impressed at how fun they are to watch on screen. And while the movie has its moments where things slow down to explain important parts of the plot, there’s a lot of action throughout that keeps the momentum going where it counts.
For some, it will be disappointing to know that this is only the first part of a larger story, so there’s no true conclusion here. Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 does however give an ending that doesn’t feel incomplete or have a quick cut to the end credits. This is a nice change of pace to see with big blockbuster movies that aren’t afraid to be open about being part of something larger.
Here it’s done in a way where the audience can feel like they’re still getting a full story, along with a promise of more to come later. You’re still getting a complete Mission Impossible movie with all the bells and whistles you want to see, but things aren’t done with this particular story just yet. Whether the eventual release of Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 2 will help make this movie stronger in hindsight depends on the quality of that future sequel.
If you want a fun time watching a solid action movie, you’re getting that in spades with Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1. Despite it being the first part of a bigger story, the movie is a wild ride that has some great moments you’ll enjoy. Some bits of the story might seem a bit too unbelievable at times, but that doesn’t overshadow or bring down the experience of seeing this action-packed spy movie. By the time this movie finishes, you’ll definitely be ready to accept the mission for Part 2.
Are you going to see Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 any time soon? What is your favorite Mission Impossible movie and your favorite Tom Cruise stunt? Tell us about everything down below in the comment section!
