Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One movie review

Published By Alexandra Heilbron on Jul 07, 2023

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is so incredibly well done, it will exceed many fans' expectations. It's a non-stop ride, filled with action and impossibly dangerous stunts. The plot is unique as well -- rather than having Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) combat a human villain, this time around it's artificial intelligence called The Entity.

The only way to stop The Entity from gaining control of every bit of global intelligence is to be in possession of two pieces of metal that interlock to form one key. Even though the fast-moving plot is somewhat complicated, it grabs your attention throughout -- if you get lost for a moment, the interactions between the cast and the unbelievable stunts will keep you entertained.

Naturally, the well-publicized stunt in which Tom Cruise drives a motorcycle off a cliff and parachutes down towards a speeding train is a highlight, but there are many more breathtaking moments. The use of lifelike rubber face masks keep the audience guessing, and an extremely inventive car chase finds Ethan Hunt trying to evade the bad guys in a bright yellow Fiat.

There are many familiar faces, including Henry Czerny as Kittridge (a character we haven't seen since the first Mission: Impossible film), Vanessa Kirby as The White Widow, and Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg as Ethan Hunt's teammates, Luther and Benji. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy), Hayley Atwell (Captain America/Avengers), and Esai Morales as a villain with a close link to The Entity, who's also trying to get his hands on the key.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is 2 hours and 43 minutes of non-stop fun. Notably -- and impressively, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger -- although it's clear that there's more to come. It's a beautifully crafted film from director Christopher McQuarrie and his team.

5 out of 5 stars

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One debuts Wednesday July 12, 2023 in theaters across the country. If you have seen it and would like to rate/review it yourself, click here.

Photo by Christian Black / 2023 Paramount Pictures.