Film review: Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One

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Published on Wednesday, 05 July 2023 17:03

Last Updated on 05 July 2023

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Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is the seventh instalment in the popular Mission: Impossible film series, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. As a reporter for London Mums Magazine, I had the opportunity to attend an early screening of the film. Starring Tom Cruise as the iconic Ethan Hunt, the movie takes the audience on another thrilling adventure where the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

The story 

The film follows Ethan Hunt and his IMF team as they embark on their most dangerous mission yet: to track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens humanity. With control of the future at stake, a deadly race around the globe ensues as the team tries to prevent the weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Along the way, they face a mysterious and powerful enemy, forcing Ethan to prioritise the mission above all else.

The trailer 

The verdict

One of the strengths of the Mission: Impossible franchise is its ability to deliver high-octane action and suspense, and Dead Reckoning Part One is no exception. From the very beginning, the film grabs your attention and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. The chase for the mysterious “key” that holds the key to the weapon’s power creates a sense of urgency and propels the story forward.

However, one of the drawbacks of the film is its predictability. As a long-time fan of the franchise, I found the plot to be somewhat formulaic and lacking in surprises. The mission to save the world and the presence of a dangerous enemy are familiar tropes in the Mission: Impossible series, and while they still deliver excitement, they don’t offer much in terms of innovation or originality.

In terms of performances, Tom Cruise once again delivers a solid performance as Ethan Hunt and impressive stunts. His charisma and dedication to his role shine through, and he effortlessly carries the film. The supporting cast, including Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson, also deliver strong performances and bring depth to their characters. However, due to the film’s focus on action and suspense, there is a lack of emotional connection with the characters. It feels like the mission takes precedence over character development, which may leave some viewers wanting more.

Visually, the film is a treat. The action sequences are expertly choreographed and executed, with breathtaking stunts and intense set pieces. The globe-trotting nature of the mission allows for diverse and stunning locations, from the bustling streets of Rome and Venice to the exotic desert landscapes of the Middle East. The cinematography captures the fast-paced and high-stakes nature of the story, adding to the overall excitement of the film.

One aspect that disappointed me was the fact that Dead Reckoning Part One is only the first part of a two-part story. Knowing that I was watching only a portion of the complete narrative left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. While it sets up the stage for the next instalment, it can be frustrating to have to wait until June 2024 for the conclusion of the story.

Overall, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One delivers on its promise of thrilling action and suspense. It may follow a familiar formula, but the well-executed set pieces and strong performances make it an enjoyable watch. Fans of the franchise will likely appreciate the continuation of Ethan Hunt’s adventures, while newcomers may find it to be a solid entry point into the series. I would give it a rating of 7/10, acknowledging its entertainment value but also recognising its lack of innovation.

 

London Mums’ rating: 7/10