I think at this point, there is substantial evidence that the Mission: Impossible franchise is one of, if not THE greatest franchise ever. Nearly 30 years into its existence and spanning 7 films so far, they just seem to be getting better and better. While Dead Reckoning Part One may not reach the heights of Fallout or Rogue Nation (and you’d be foolish for expecting it to be), it’s certainly the best Part One in the relatively young history of cinematic Part Ones.
Reviewing and enjoying a Part Oner is complicated. Ever since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows popularized the idea that movies should maybe be more like TV and release an incomplete film in the hopes of doing justice to a story that is too big for one film, it’s been pretty hit or miss so far. I’ve always been of the mind that a movie should be self-contained and able to be enjoyed on its own, even if it’s part of a large franchise. Thankfully, Dead Reckoning Part One is surprisingly satisfying on its own, even if there are some giant questions that Dead Reckoning Part Two needs to answer.
This movie pays homage to the first Mission: Impossible in the best ways. This film is not as action-centric as Fallout, but focuses more on the sleight-of-hand deception and spycraft that the first film was so good at. There’s a heavier focus on story, and boy is there a lot to take in. However, I think the exposition is intriguing and engaging, and I didn’t get lost throughout. For a movie that clocks in at just over 2.5 hours, it goes by shockingly quick. This is the first MI movie that actually feels more like a spy movie than an action movie since the first, which is honestly quite refreshing. I fully expect Part Two to be more like Fallout where they can just let loose with more insane action set pieces now that the story and stakes are established.
As always, it’s wonderful to see Ethan and the gang again. Tom Cruise continues to be in fine form as he dazzles us with his running (which there’s a lot of this time) and insane stunt work. It’s hard to believe that this man is now 61 years old, and you’ve got to wonder when he’s going to lose a step. Well, thankfully it has not happened yet. New additions such as Hayley Atwell and Pom Klementieff are great here, especially Atwell. Her character has a lot of chemistry and brings a refreshing dynamic with Hunt. Esai Morales’s Gabriel is also an interesting character that we don’t know too much of, though I suspect that will be revealed more in Part Two. I think he’s a more compelling villain than Sean Harris’ Solomon Lane, even though Rogue Nation and Fallout are better films.
Obviously, I cannot write this review without mentioning THAT moment in the film. Even though I won’t spoil it, those of you who have seen the movie will know what I’m talking about. It came as a huge shock to me, and I think my general enjoyment of this film hinges a lot on how that story decision plays out. Depending on how Part Two resolves some of the plot points that this film sets up, it will certainly increase or massively decrease my love for this movie. As it stands though, Part One was an absolute blast to watch.
At this moment in time, Hollywood has essentially come to a screeching halt due to the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes. Part Two was slated to come out June 2024, but it looks like that is becoming increasingly unlikely as we are in for a long strike. This should be a wake up call for all the Hollywood executives out there: you cannot thrive without your writers and actors. A film starts with the script, and is brought to life with its characters. These CEOs need to stop being so greedy and give people an opportunity to life affordably. While I’d love to have this strike over as fast as possible so I don’t have to wait any longer to see Part Two, this is a much bigger issue, and certainly extends outside of the movie industry. The AMPTP’s proposal to use AI to replicate someone’s likeness in exchange for paying actors wages is horrifyingly dystopian and even mimics the prescient narrative of Dead Reckoning Part One. I am in full support of the WGA and SAG-AFRTRA, and am rooting for all of them to get what they need to survive in this increasingly expensive industry. This will be a turning point in history for many of us who love going to the movies, and I hope that we can emerge on the right side when it’s all said and done. With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, summer has officially begun, and it’s only going to get better with Barbie and Oppenheimer on the way. 2023 is a blessed year for movies, y’all.
Grade: A-/87
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