Peter McLean

Just saw Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. As someone who has taught both narrative and film, I must say on reflection that the film fully deserves 5 stars. Sequences are amazing. Some gorgeous/stunning photography and cinematography. Extremely satisfying narrative that actually made sense of Dead Reckoning, which I was not as impressed with for its narrative chocies. Great music. Full and sensible characterisations. Sound effects and design truly immersive and impactful. Many wraparounds of earlier MI films that were truly enjoyable and gorgeous ideas. But they are explained well in context for any newbie. Some gorgeous secondary characters. Not one character wasted. Beautiful location work. Actually, yes, the 3 hours were not noticeable. Although I was questioning setup in the first 20 minutes, it all paid off. Can't say the same for so many recent long films. On the edge of and almost jumping out of our seats and gasping so many times. My wife is not a TC fan at all (although ends up really liking each of his films), but got out defending the narrative choices and very impressed. Some moving scenes and acting, from a number of the players including Cruise. Definitely a huge screen and sound movie. Would gladly see again on the big screen. Also, the central plot device around AI is probably more and more relevant and prescient by the passing minute. Whether or not you like any of the MI films, if you like anything thoughtful plus highly well-crafted action, definitely worth seeing. The stunt scenes alone may never be equalled on film again. Actually, the movie is growing on me more even as I write about it.