It’s been almost 30 years since the release of Brian De Palma’s first “Mission: Impossible.” After seven more films and an exorbitant number of death-defying stunts, Tom Cruise is embarking on what is perhaps his boldest mission yet: bidding farewell to Agent Ethan Hunt, the entire IMF division, and the filming process that has consistently delivered adrenaline rushes to both the actor and the audience. However, doubts linger, and one gets the impression that Tom wants to stay.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Dead Reckoning Part One” finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) a couple of months after the brawl on the train in Innsbruck. The artificial intelligence known as the Entity has grown in power, taken control of the world’s nuclear arsenals, and is now dictating the terms of news reality, flooding the media with all sorts of fake news. Supporting the AI’s imperial ambitions is Gabriel (Esai Morales), who selflessly believes in the prophetic abilities of his virtual companion. The U.S. government, led by Madam President (Angela Bassett), assesses the risks but decides to entrust the fate of the world to Ethan Hunt. The IMF has 72 hours to find the device with the source code on the submarine “Sevastopol” (that very key from the previous installment opens the “casket”!) and neutralize the rampant ChatGPT, stopping the onset of a widespread nuclear winter.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
From its very first frames, “Dead Reckoning Part One” extends a warm embrace to franchise fans with a nostalgic montage and, seemingly without coyness, acknowledges that it’s time to say goodbye. There has been no official announcement that the eighth “Mission” will be the last: apparently, the final decision will be made after the box office numbers are tallied. Nevertheless, the screening felt like a “farewell party” for its own: while “Fallout” or “Ghost Protocol” were welcoming to casual viewers who wanted their dose of high-octane action without commitment, “Dead Reckoning” is designed exclusively for those who have been in a serious (and perhaps even monogamous) relationship with the franchise for many years. Not intrusive, but confident fan service presents cameos of characters from previous installments (and unexpected ones!), repeatedly revisits key moments, tears off masks, and doesn’t shy away from sentimental monologues about the choices that have been made.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
High-Octane Action and Sentimental Farewells
Ethan’s previous exploits are built into a series of events that led to the moment where he found himself – including the blame for the collapse of national security resting on the shoulders (legs, torso, and probably even forehead) of the agent. But the truly frightening world under the control of “alternative facts” and the predetermination (fate?) that machines can calculate, once again remain a flashing backdrop for the performance of stunts. Ethan Hunt raises the banner of the last hero, just like Tom Cruise, who has secured the title of the last Hollywood movie star. Photos and videos from the set have already announced the main insane stunts of the eighth chapter: Tom Cruise and flying in a biplane, Tom Cruise and diving on a sunken submarine in the Bering Sea. The siege of a small plane and selfless acrobatics in the air were breathtaking even while watching the promo spot – can you find words more convincing than “wow” in a critical text? And outside of any (unnecessary, frankly) dramatic constructions, it is difficult not to be amazed by the possibilities and ingenuity of the staging. And the segment with the penetration into the submarine is charged with truly cinematic energy with the chilling charm of the depths: perhaps, it is the perished insides of the “Sevastopol” that is the most frightening episode in the entire franchise.
Is This Really Goodbye?
Despite all the dramatic tension, the increased stakes for the end of the planet, there is no doubt that this mission is also feasible – even with the script-driven risks of Ethan Hunt’s death (we’ll do without spoilers!). The plot clearly reads the proven template of searching for a MacGuffin, verified by previous installments, and the pathos of the chosen hero has almost lost its irony (which was, for example, in “Rogue Nation” or the already mentioned “Protocol”) – such dedication looks not so much old-fashioned, but as if too gloomy. But still, the bet is placed on saying goodbye not only to Hunt, but to the entire IMF department – the celebration of the heroes of the day is really touching (perhaps, for any workaholics who see colleagues more often than family and friends). Except that the swap with the lady of the heart is embarrassing: Grace (Hayley Atwell) seamlessly took the place of Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), whose death was mourned not too long (perhaps, viewers mourn longer). And, perhaps, because of this or because of the loopholes for a reunion, there remains a feeling of fake farewells, a prolonged vacation in which Ethan will finally not take the phone.achevskaya