Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) Review
Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt faces his ultimate mission in this action-packed blockbuster. Is it a fitting finale? Let’s dive in.
A High-Stakes Farewell to Ethan Hunt
Release Date: May 23, 2025 | Director: Christopher McQuarrie | Runtime: 2h 49m
Cast: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Angela Bassett, Henry Czerny, and more.
In Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, the IMF’s fearless agent, in what’s billed as the franchise’s grand finale. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, this 2025 blockbuster delivers jaw-dropping action, a sprawling plot, and a reflective tone that sets it apart from its predecessors. As audiences search for the best action movies of 2025, this film’s blend of spectacle and sentiment makes it a must-watch, though it’s not without flaws. IMDb
[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9603208/)Plot: A Race Against an AI Apocalypse
Picking up from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), The Final Reckoning thrusts Ethan Hunt into a battle against “The Entity,” a rogue AI threatening nuclear annihilation. With only 72 hours to locate a key that unlocks the AI’s source code, Ethan and his team—Luther (Ving Rhames), Benji (Simon Pegg), and newcomer Grace (Hayley Atwell)—globe-trot from icy submarines to high-altitude biplanes. The plot, while convoluted, keeps viewers engaged with its high stakes and relentless pace. Trending keywords like “AI in movies” and “action blockbusters 2025” resonate here, as the film taps into contemporary fears about technology’s unchecked power. Rotten Tomatoes
[](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mission_impossible_the_final_reckoning)However, the narrative stumbles in its first hour, bogged down by expository dialogue and a heavy-handed recap of the franchise’s history. Critics note its “cosmically convoluted” script, which sometimes feels like a puzzle missing pieces. Yet, the film’s emotional core—Ethan’s loyalty to his team and his reckoning with past choices—adds depth, making it more than just an action spectacle. Entertainment Weekly
[](https://ew.com/mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-review-tom-cruise-equal-parts-baffling-awesome-11734067)Cast and Crew: A Stellar Ensemble
Tom Cruise, at 62, remains the heart of the franchise, performing death-defying stunts—like wing-walking on a biplane—that redefine action heroism. His portrayal of Ethan Hunt balances grit and vulnerability, cementing his status as Hollywood’s last true movie star. Hayley Atwell’s Grace brings a grounded charm, though her arc feels less mischievous than in Dead Reckoning. Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg deliver reliable camaraderie, while Esai Morales’s Gabriel, the human face of The Entity, lacks the menace of past villains. Angela Bassett’s President Sloane adds gravitas, though her screen time is limited. IMDb Cast
[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9603208/fullcredits/)Director Christopher McQuarrie, with co-writer Erik Jendresen, crafts a visually stunning film, though their script leans too heavily on melodrama. Cinematographer Fraser Taggert captures breathtaking locales, from Arctic seas to South African vaults, while editors Eddie Hamilton and Max Aruj’s score amplify the tension. The crew’s technical prowess ensures this 2025 movie release shines on the big screen, aligning with trending searches for “best cinematography 2025.” Variety
[](https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-review-tom-cruise-1236396671/)Action and Visuals: A Cinematic Triumph
The Mission: Impossible franchise is synonymous with practical stunts, and The Final Reckoning delivers some of its most ambitious yet. A submarine sequence is hauntingly claustrophobic, while the climactic biplane chase is a masterclass in tension, leaving audiences gasping. These set pieces, paired with IMAX-worthy visuals, make it one of the best action movies of 2025. Trending terms like “Tom Cruise stunts” and “blockbuster visuals” dominate discussions, as Cruise’s commitment to real stunts elevates the film’s authenticity. The Hollywood Reporter
[](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-review-tom-cruise-christopher-mcquarrie-1236215149/)That said, the film’s 2-hour-49-minute runtime feels bloated, and its somber tone misses the cheeky humor of earlier entries like Rogue Nation. Some sequences, like a recycled train chase, lack the ingenuity of past missions, leading critics to call it “a huge mess” at times. Still, the action’s sheer scale ensures it’s a theatrical must-see. Vulture
[](https://www.vulture.com/article/review-tom-cruises-mission-impossible-8-is-a-huge-mess.html)Verdict: A Flawed but Thrilling Finale
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a fitting, if imperfect, send-off for Ethan Hunt. Its spectacular action, emotional weight, and Cruise’s unparalleled dedication make it a standout among 2025 movie releases. However, its convoluted plot and overly serious tone prevent it from surpassing franchise peaks like Fallout or Ghost Protocol. With an 89% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear audiences and critics appreciate its ambition, even if it doesn’t always stick the landing. Rotten Tomatoes
For fans searching “Mission: Impossible 2025 review” or “best action movies,” this film delivers enough thrills to justify a theater visit. It’s a testament to Cruise’s legacy and a reminder of cinema’s power to captivate. Rating: (4/5)
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