SECRET agent Ethan Hunt is back for a seventh outing in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley went to check it out.
TP: This is the seventh instalment of a film franchise which has been around since 1996, and this is quite possibly the best Mission yet. Stefan, how do they keep making each movie better than the last?!
SB: There’s so many factors working against this movie – it’s Part One of a two-part picture; there’s lots of characters to keep track of, including a handful of newcomers; it was filmed during a pandemic; it follows one of the best action movies of all time in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and it’s being released in the wake of John Wick: Chapter 4, an action movie we both adore. But you’re absolutely right, Tom – this is how you make an action blockbuster, it absolutely delivers. If you’ve seen the last few Mission films, you know what to expect.
TP: Or do you?! The plot sees Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) tasked with retrieving a key to a supercomputer that has become corrupted by an artificial intelligence software known as The Entity, and must reunite with his associates, Luther (Ving Rhames) and Benji (Simon Pegg) to complete his objective.
SB: Only problem is, The Entity has escaped the computer, gone rogue and is now surveying their every move, forcing them to question who, or what, they can trust. It’s worth noting that Dead Reckoning has been in the making for at least four years; if Part One had come out, say, twelve months ago before ChatGPT launched, I would have interpreted the stakes differently, because suddenly an A.I. villain seems like a credible threat in real life.
TP: That’s true – if Part One had been released as originally planned, the screenplay would have seemed somewhat cartoonish. It shows incredible foresight on the producers’ part.
SB: As for the human characters, they include franchise newcomers Grace (Hayley Atwell) and Paris (Pom Klementieff). Atwell does a great job whether she’s talking or simply expressing – she fits into the Mission mind games with ease, and she’s given a satisfying arc. Paris is a supporting antagonist, essentially a henchwoman, but loves the thrill of the chase and the chaos she causes. So Tom, how would you rate the action in general?
TP: The fight sequences were pretty mundane to begin with, but as the narrative progressed, I found myself enjoying the action more and more – highlights include an Italian Job-style car chase in the middle, and an intense sequence taking place on a passenger train during the third act. That latter sequence alone justifies not only the 163-minute length, but also the splitting of Dead Reckoning into two parts.
SB: Personally, I loved all of it. Each action set piece is shot masterfully, so unlike some recent films you can actually see what’s going on. Even during the sandstorm scene, what you see unfolding on-screen is clear. In terms of whether the length is justified, this is probably the longest film we’ve seen this year, and yet I still found myself wanting more! Across the Spider-Verse, which we reviewed last month, probably does a better job of setting-up its sequel, whereas this film has a more definitive ending.
TP: That’s where Dead Reckoning is the better film, I believe, because it leaves you on a thoroughly satisfying note without being teased by a massive cliffhanger – you’re keen for the sequel, rather than wanting to see it immediately.
SB: I’m definitely pumped for Part Two regardless. In terms of where Part One sits in the franchise rankings, I think I still prefer Fallout and the fourth movie, Ghost Protocol, but it doesn’t really matter – it’s like debating which John Wick movie is the best. Where does it sit with you?
TP: I actually prefer it to Fallout, which until now was my favourite in the series. Part One has an edge which makes me enjoy it that little bit more.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is rated M for Action violence, and is now screening at Sale Cinema.
