The crtics have had their say on Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning and largely seem divided.
The film marks the eighth, and possibly final, instalment of the Tom Cruise-led action spy franchise based on the 1966 television series of the same name.
While some have praised its “jaw-dropping” action sequences, others have declared the flick “incredibly bloated”, and complained about inconsistencies with the story and overall script.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the direct sequel to 2023’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning sees Cruise reprise his role as special agent Ethan Hunt.
Also returning are Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell, Esai Morales, Shea Whigham, Vanessa Kirby and Pom Klementieff, withTed Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham and Severance’s Tramell Tillman also joining the ensemble.
Critic Dave Baldwin declared “Tom Cruise has done it again” in his enthusiastic write up, saying: “Best to take blood pressure meds before watching Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning because once the insanity starts, it doesn't stop. It's exceptionally entertaining with pulse-pounding stunts that will leave you gasping. Tom Cruise has done it again.”
US-based critic Eric Hardman was here for the action, but more critical of other aspects, writing: “The Final Reckoning is very complicated. Less action-heavy than you may expect and in many ways feels incredibly bloated. Exposition is handled better, and when the action is happening, it’s jaw-dropping. Some really high highs, but some really low lows.”
Meanwhile, Andrew J Salazar of Discussing Film outright said that he “didn’t really enjoy” the film, explaining: “It's got McQuarries's best and worst tendencies, i.e. stunning visuals bogged down by an overtly complex script that introduces so much that goes nowhere. Obviously feels like they were filming this without a script.”
David Ehrlich of Indie Wire seemed on the same page, surmising: “The Final Reckoning is dull and dysfunctional in a way I didn't think this franchise was capable of. Set pieces are obviously incredible, but as someone so supportive of Cruise's crusade to save the movies and whatnot this was a massive heartbreaker.”
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is released to cinemas worldwide from May 21.
