Wow

Wow

Wow

I was one of the lucky ones who was able to see an early screening of the seventh film in the Mission Impossible franchise. I will say it right now. I have enjoyed the Mission Impossible franchise so far, especially the last three or four films, but Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One is the best Mission Impossible movie yet.

This is nothing but a thrilling ride, chocked full of adrenaline-rushes and edge of your seats action that enthralls the audience, hoping that the heroes can survive the impossible situation that they are placed in.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is on a globe spanning adventure chasing the film’s McGuffin, a key that unlocks… something… that will give the user the power over an AI called The Entity. Of course, there are a bunch of people after this key which leads to a bunch of unbelievable action and stunts.

Ethan’s team members return for the film which include Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell and Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust. Also returning is the slimy former head of the IMF Kittridge, played by Henry Czerny.

The film added a new character, thief Grace, played by the exquisite Hayley Atwell. Atwell and Cruise share a ton of chemistry and some wonderfully written banter as they are being chased through a city and struggling to survive while stabbing each other in the back. Atwell was one of my favorite parts of the seventh Mission Impossible installment.

The action was out of this world. Everybody has seen the motorcycle/cliff jump sequence in the trailer and advertising for the film. I really wish they had kept this stunt under wraps and debuted it in the film, but it is hardly the only example of amazing stunt work. There is a train sequence that is utterly breath-taking and several chases that make beautiful use of the setting. There is also a bomb scene that is as tense as you are going to get.

This is also one of the funniest editions of Mission Impossible so far. The dialogue is very funny and the quips hit almost every time.

The cast is packed full with amazing actors. Besides those already mentioned include Pom Klementieff as a new antagonist femme fatale, Vanessa Kirby returning as The White Widow, Esai Morales as main antagonist with a link to Ethan’s past, Gabriel, Cary Elwes as Director of National Intelligence Denlinger, and Shea Whigham as an enforcer for the Community who was chasing after Ethan.

Though there were a limited use of the villainous A.I. The Entity, (I expect there will be much more in Part Two), what we got with this A.I. was truly terrifying. There is a scene with The Entity in a club that brought chills to me.

It is a long film, but the pacing is outstanding and you do not feel the length. You are too busy holding your breath, gasping at the incredible imagery of the skilled filmmakers. Writer/director Christopher McQuarrie seems to have a real grasp on this franchise as he is signed up to direct the next film as well as this one. Though this is a part one, the film has a perfect ending, allowing it to feel like a complete film.

I was totally gripped throughout the entire film, laughing, gasping, and thrilling to the adventure. Tom Cruise is excellent as Ethan Hunt (and runs all over the place), having a true understanding of the character and Cruise and Atwell are charming as the day is long. There are some surprisingly emotional moments that are totally earned and surprise the audience.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One is a huge success and everybody should go out and support this film. It is exceptional. I can’t wait for Part Two!

5 stars