Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who also helmed the previous two films, is a blockbuster you don’t want to miss. It’s the seventh instalment in the action-packed spy franchise that stars Tom Cruise as the fearless Ethan Hunt. This thrilling ride will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The plot is simple but effective: Ethan and his IMF team must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. The weapon is called “the Entity”, a rogue artificial intelligence that can manipulate information and control technology. The Entity is everywhere and nowhere, and it has a mind of its own. Ethan has to find the key that can unlock its secrets. The key is split into two pieces and hidden in different locations. Along the way, he faces a mysterious and powerful enemy named Gabriel (Esai Morales), who wants to use the Entity for his own nefarious purposes. Ethan also has to deal with his complicated relationship with Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who holds part of the puzzle and whose loyalties are unclear.

What makes this movie so exciting is not only the plot but also the execution. The action scenes are spectacular, with Cruise doing most of his stunts as usual. There are car chases; motorcycle chases, helicopter chases, train fights, rooftop jumps, underwater escapes, and more. The locations are stunning, from Rome to Norway to Dubai to London. The cinematography by Fraser Taggart is crisp and colourful, capturing the beauty and the danger of each setting. The score by Lorne Balfe is tense and dramatic, enhancing the mood and the suspense. The editing by Eddie Hamilton is fast and smooth, keeping the pace and rhythm of the story.

But what really makes this movie stand out is the acting and the characters. Cruise is at his best as Ethan Hunt, showing his charisma, courage, vulnerability, and humanity. He makes us care about his mission and choices, even when they seem impossible. Hayley Atwell is a great addition to the cast as Grace, with witty and fiery chemistry with Cruise. She is a strong, smart character who challenges Ethan and helps him. Esai Morales is a formidable villain as Gabriel, who has a personal connection to Ethan and a ruthless ambition. He is cold and menacing but also charismatic and intriguing. Rebecca Ferguson returns as Ilsa Faust, who has a complex and emotional bond with Ethan. She is a fierce and loyal ally but also a potential threat. The rest of the cast is also excellent, with Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, and Henry Czerny reprising their roles from previous films.

The movie also explores some interesting themes and tones, such as the role of technology in our lives, the nature of truth and deception, the cost of loyalty and sacrifice, and the meaning of family and friendship. The movie sometimes has a dark and serious tone but balances it with humour and warmth. The dialogue is witty and clever, with memorable lines and jokes. The movie also pays homage to classic spy movies and references iconic moments from the franchise.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is one of the best movies of the year and one of the most exhilarating movies of a long time. It delivers everything you want from an action movie: thrilling stunts, stunning visuals, engaging characters, smart plot twists, and emotional stakes. It’s a movie that will make you feel alive and entertained for 163 minutes (yes, it’s long, but it doesn’t feel like it). It’s also a movie that will leave you wanting more (luckily, there’s a sequel coming next year). So what are you waiting for? Go see it now! 

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)