Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) [Movie Review]: A Poignant Farewell

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning reunites Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team as they face “the Entity,” a clandestine cyberthreat determined to dismantle global security. Under Christopher McQuarrie’s direction and with a script co‑written by Bruce Geller and Erik Jendresen, the film aims to deliver a grand finale worthy of Endgame. While it delivers on ambition, its reliance on tedious flashbacks and over‑explained exposition occasionally slows the momentum.

Directorial Execution & Screenplay

Christopher McQuarrie’s trademark flair—seen in previous installments like Fallout—is evident in the film’s standout set pieces. However, here the narrative stumbles under its own weight, leaning heavily on recap sequences that undercut forward momentum. The screenplay, though peppered with moments of genuine intrigue, sometimes opts for fan‑service callbacks rather than developing fresh stakes for both new and returning audiences.

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Performances That Shine

Tom Cruise remains magnetic as Ethan Hunt, effortlessly blending vulnerability and daredevil bravado. Hayley Atwell lends heartfelt nuance to the team’s newest member, serving as a relatable emotional touchstone amid the mayhem. Ving Rhames, as Luther Stickell, offers the film’s most heartfelt moments, his seasoned presence lending gravitas to the story’s emotional core. Esai Morales injects sinister energy into the role of Gabriel, making him an entertaining foil to Hunt’s idealism. Henry Czerny’s brief return as Eugene Kittridge offers a charming salute to long‑time fans, underscoring his enduring screen presence.

Action & Visual Spectacle

Despite a few stumbles, The Final Reckoning boasts two unmissable sequences. The audacious high‑altitude biplane scene embodies pure Mission: Impossible thrills and underscores Cruise’s dedication to authentic stunt work. Equally memorable is the submarine set piece, where claustrophobic tension meets disaster‑movie intensity. Unfortunately, such highlights are interspersed among darker, tighter locations—tunnels, offices, and caves—that lack the grand scale of earlier entries.

Emotional Resonance & Pacing

The film aspires to deliver a heartfelt goodbye, yet its lengthy 2¾‑hour runtime dilutes its impact. Repetitive explanations of key plot points hamper emotional investment, and the Entity—poised as an apocalyptic threat—curiously feels underpowered. Still, quiet moments between Hunt and his team, especially with Rhames’s Luther, inject genuine warmth and nostalgia.

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Final Verdict

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning isn’t the triumphant crescendo fans might have hoped for, but it isn’t without merit. It's two breathtaking action scenes remind us why this franchise stands apart, and strong performances keep us engaged even when the plot over‑complicates itself. Though it may mark the end of an era on a slightly sour note, The Final Reckoning still delivers enough thrills and heart to justify one last ride with Ethan Hunt.

Rating: ★★★⯪☆ (3.5 / 5)