Mission Impossible 7 Movie Review: all in all a Tom Cruise show and no ones complaining

‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1’ features Tom Cruise as Ethan. This is the seventh film in the action franchise. Read our review.

In Short

• ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1’ features Tom Cruise.
• The film is the seventh instalment in the action-franchise.
• MI 7 hits theatres on July 12, 2023.

the state desk: There is no bigger star on the planet than this man. He’s single-handedly delivered a franchise laden with bonafide blockbusters. At the ripe age of 61, he is committed to doing death-defying stunts. When Tom Cruise puts out a film, there is a reason for celebration. And if he’s returning to the cinemas as Ethan Hunt, then there is even more reason to celebrate. Has Cruise been able to deliver what the audience has come to expect from him ? Is it time to retire the MI franchise ? Or is he single-handedly going to resuscitate a bleeding film industry ? Let’s find out.

After being pushed for several years due to the pandemic, ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part 1’ finally hits the theatres this month. The film marks the return of Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, an IMF (Impossible Mission Force) agent, who is in his top form, fighting, being charismatic and almost leaving fans gasping for breath with his savvy persona. The seventh film in the franchise focuses on Ethan and his new threat which, in the new world, is AI-dependent, and the impact it can have on the world.

‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part 1’ is set after the events of ‘Mission Impossible: Fallout’, where Ethan and his team is tasked to save the world from an AI-powered antagonist that has the power to set off global wars, if not destroyed. While the digital antagonist is not fully explained throughout, we are told that the power to control the said AI-powered antagonist lies in a key which has been divided into two halves. Once they are combined, it can be used by international agencies to start covert operations and warfare. Most countries in the world are vying to get their hands on the keys, we are told. However, who is the “Entity” behind this is never disclosed.

Tom Cruise, at 61, performs stunts like never before. He is the literal embodiment of an action hero, but with an emotional sensibility. Sharing his vision is director Christopher McQuarrie. Together, they deliver an action film which is beyond spectacular in scale. The film also resorts to fan service by dropping several references from the previous films in the franchise for loyal fans. And for those who do not get the references, Cruise makes up for it with his breathtaking visuals and candour.

The MI franchise has always been about action and intrigue more than the story itself. The seventh film in the franchise is no different. However, unlike the previous films, the antagonist in MI 7 is never really introduced. All one knows is that it is a digital threat. But there is no face to the “Entity” which is behind this. Ethan and his team, Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) are against a threat they have perhaps never encountered or were prepared for.

Tom Cruise makes 60 look good. Unlike his previous movies, he is more restrained this time and is cognisant of his age. The biggest highlight of ‘MI 7’ is the vivid imagination both Cruise and McQuarrie shared for action sequences. The sheer imagination is enough to leave fans palpitating in excitement and stress. Especially in the climax sequence. Bollywood fans might share a déj vu moment watching the train sequence. Cruise is exceptional and at the top of his game throughout.

The action sequences are truly the highlight of the film and while some of the sequences might remind you of the recently released ‘Fast X’ movie, let’s just say ‘Mission Impossible’ gets the memo right. Cruise has this innate ability to bring in subtle nuances in shots which could otherwise come across as completely bizarre.

Aside from him, new characters stand out as well. For example, Hayley Atwell’s Grace was such a a delight to watch. Pom Klementieff also left an impression with her performance in the movie. The film was high on adrenaline rush, but it is not an override.

Part 1 of the film ends at a crucial point where Ethan and his team’s fight against this unknown enemy has just begun. Tom Cruise not only delivers the goods, but he also tells the young blood that he’s going to give them a run for their money

‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part One’ also stars Esai Morales, Vanessa Kirby, Henry Czerny, Frederick Schmidt, Greg Tarzan Davis, and Shea Whigham.

The movie hits theaters on July 12, 2023.

4 out of 5 stars for ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part 1