Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning Movie Review: Tom Cruise delivers thrills, but action franchise finale lacks heart

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan for one last time in MI series

‘Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning’ aims for an epic conclusion but loses steam with a sluggish plot and overextended runtime.

A farewell without fireworks

‘Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning’ tries to deliver a grand finale to one of the most beloved action franchises but ends up feeling like a diluted version of what came before. Clocking in at nearly three hours, the film feels bloated and often tiresome. It struggles to maintain the energy that once defined the series, though its spectacular stunt choreography keeps things from completely derailing. For long-time fans, the film might feel more like a nostalgic recap than a thrilling farewell. The first hour, weighed down by flashbacks and recycled plot points, stalls the momentum rather than building it.

Pacing problems and plot fatigue

The story picks up some pace only in the second half, and it's here that the film momentarily finds its footing with two major action sequences. The first sees Ethan Hunt diving into the wreckage of a submarine to retrieve the Podkova (the gadget that has the source code), while the second — a high-octane aerial sequence involving the retrieval of a “poison pill” device — offers a glimpse of the tension and spectacle the franchise is known for. But even these standout moments can’t fully rescue a plot that feels overcomplicated and underwhelming. And the absence of a human antagonist weakens the tension. Replacing flesh-and-blood villains with an all-powerful AI — known simply as "The Entity"—robs the story of a personal, emotional conflict.

Thin story, thinner characters

The film follows Ethan’s mission to prevent a nuclear disaster by shutting down the rogue AI introduced in ‘Dead Reckoning.’ The stakes involve finding the source code hidden inside a sunken submarine near Sevastopol and pairing it with a “poison pill” device now in Gabrielle’s hands. The plot drags the team from the icy Bering Sea to the heat of Africa, but the storytelling feels oddly mechanical. It lacks the suspense, wit, and clever twists that once defined the series. More than that, it fails to give its supporting characters any room to breathe. Talented actors like Angela Bassett, Janet McTeer, and Simon Pegg are reduced to glorified extras, serving little purpose beyond moving Ethan’s mission forward.

Cruise still commands, but the spark is missing

Tom Cruise continues to give Ethan Hunt everything he’s got — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His commitment to the role remains admirable, and the film even tips its hat to the original 'Mission Impossible' (1996) by referencing its release date. It’s a nice touch, one of the few instances of emotional depth in the film. Ving Rhames makes the most of his short appearance as Luther, while Esai Morales plays Gabriel with brooding menace. But the structure of the film leaves little space for character development. It’s all Ethan, all the time, and that imbalance makes the film feel one-dimensional.

Impressive action, tedious length

There’s no denying that the action is where this film shines. The submarine sequence is beautifully executed — the eerie silence, claustrophobic setting, and haunting visuals make it one of the film’s best moments. It evokes a real sense of dread. The biplane chase scene, where Ethan goes after Gabriel, is another highlight. The sheer risk and scale of the stunts are thrilling, and Cruise sells every second with his trademark intensity. But these sequences are stretched too long. With tighter editing, they could have landed harder. Instead, they contribute to the sense that the film is trying too hard — and taking too long — to make an impact.

A finale that falls short

At its core, ‘The Final Reckoning’ has a simple plot. That simplicity, ironically, becomes its biggest weakness. There’s little in the way of surprise or intrigue — just a continuation of what began in ‘Dead Reckoning.’ While there are flashes of brilliance, they’re few and far between, and they never reach the peaks that earlier entries in the series achieved. Visually, the film is polished and expansive. But grandeur alone isn’t enough. As the final chapter of a franchise known for pushing boundaries, this film feels like it’s playing it safe. It wraps things up, yes — just not in the way fans hoped.

Cast: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Angela Bassett

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Rating: 3/5

(‘Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning’ is running in theatres)