Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) Movie Review

Synopsis:

A global threat emerges for Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team in the form of an AI called the ‘Entity’. In their attempts to stop this rogue threat, Ethan must find a key that unlocks the Entity’s secrets. Meanwhile, Hunt encounters a familiar threat from his past, Gabriel (Esai Morales).

Review:

Dead Reckoning Part One includes more of Christopher McQuarrie’s signature approach. This includes the film's action and visuals.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One’s action is well-shot.

They are also accompanied by the film’s striking location shots. These qualities are present in several action sequences.

Examples include a high-speed car chase through Rome’s streets and an on-foot chase in Venice.

Both of these sequences are relentless in their pacing. They also never lose sight of the characters in the process.

These rules are also applied to the film’s final action sequence involving a high-speed train.

This high-octane sequence involves Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt parachuting onto it.

Cruise’s motorcycle stunt off a cliff’s edge is even more death-defying on the big screen. This is even after watching the trailers.

Despite being entertaining, there are instances where green screen backgrounds are present. Although this can break the viewers’ immersion during this sequence, it is not a major flaw.

As expected, Dead Reckoning’s action sequences and visuals are well above average.

Dead Reckoning's convoluted plot, though, can detract from the experience.

Dead Reckoning’s narrative structure falters. This is when it attempts to explain what the Entity is.

While the concept of the Entity is interesting, the execution required further refinement.

This film also decides to link its main antagonist, Gabriel (Esai Morales), to the Entity. As a whole, Esai Morales’s performance as the character shows promise.

Despite a decent performance from the actor, his character's development is minimal.

Due to a rushed introduction and little screen time to develop him, his purpose in the film seems unclear.

This lack of development may have been intentional to save for more character growth in Part Two.

This film’s secondary antagonist is Paris (Pom Klementieff). Pom commits to portraying this character as a crazed assassin.

This is a quality that Pom demonstrates well. It would also be interesting to see further character development in the sequel.

As usual, Dead Reckoning Part One proves Tom Cruise’s standing as an action star.

His performance remains dedicated, both during the action sequences and dialogue.

Joining him are returning characters Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames). Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust also returns.

Each one of these characters is well-acted. This also applies to Hayley Atwell’s character, the thief Grace.

At first, Grace is a typical thief. Her chequered past soon reveals a more interesting character.

Hayley’s character is an appreciated addition to the franchise.

These include her interactions with Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. With them, they open more doors for further development.

Also, Lorne Balfe returns to compose. With his score, Lorne offers his familiar yet welcome orchestral style to proceedings.

Lorne's score is less consistent in quality than his score from the previous film. Despite this, it remains entertaining.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dead Reckoning Part One offers the same well-shot action and visuals as the previous entry.

Each action sequence is fun to watch. Also, Lorne Balfe’s orchestral score provides further tension.

Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie showcase their dedication to the action genre.

As a result, they provide a worthwhile experience for the audience.

As a new character in the franchise, Hayley Atwell also makes an impression as Grace. Take her character evolving more as the film progresses as an example.

Yet another welcome addition is Pom Klementieff’s crazed turn as the assassin, Paris.

By the film’s end, Pom’s character is in a state where Part Two could develop her further. Dead Reckoning Part One also has entertaining action and visuals.

Despite this, the film encounters structural issues linked to the main AI threat, the Entity.

As a whole, this concept is interesting. Despite this, the film spends a great deal of time covering all the details surrounding it. This makes it convoluting.

Dead Reckoning Part One’s antagonist, Gabriel, is not well-developed. This is despite Esai Morales’s competent performance.

Given his link to the Entity, this also leads to some confusing scenes.

Again, this lack of development may have been intentional and may have more of a purpose in the follow-up film.

Despite its flaws, Dead Reckoning’s striking visuals and entertaining action should be enough to entertain fans.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 6/10

Action - 7.5/10

Visuals - 8/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 7.1 out of 10