Longtime viewers of the channel will know how my attitude towards the Mission Impossible series has only grown in appreciation over the years. "Fallout," in particular, I would cite as one of the greatest spy action movies ever made. Tom Cruise has done wonders championing phenomenal practical moviemaking magic. In the tradition of Bond films, every penny is up on screen with this series, and Tom Cruise will entertain you or literally die trying. "Dead Reckoning Part One," released in summer 2023, left me and likely many others thinking "pretty good, not the best in the series." It’s a bit long, but still very solid with phenomenal action sequences.
Now, here we are in 2025 with "Dead Reckoning Part Two" or the "Final Reckoning," the follow-up to Part One. However, it's mildly infuriating that I have a Blu-ray labeled as part one without a forthcoming part two. Can we petition for reversible covers on Blu-rays to make collections look complete?
As a longtime reviewer of this series on my channel, my anticipation for this installment was high. Despite early mixed reviews and mixed feelings about the runtime and perceived excessive exposition, I entered hopeful, buoyed by a strong Rotten Tomatoes score. However, my feelings remain mixed.
The film’s first half, and at times I felt the entire first half, seemed an arduous 90-minute test of patience with too much exposition. It resembled an extended montage, much like "The Rise of Skywalker,” feeling as though it was compensating or overwriting previous storylines. Whether to fill gaps for those who hadn’t seen part one or due to poor box office reception, this part disappointed as I hoped for tighter storytelling.
However, the second half delivers phenomenal payoffs, offering edge-of-your-seat sequences. One underwater sequence stood out as incredible, drawing comparisons to "Tomorrow Never Dies." Also, the climactic biplane action was one of the best action movie climaxes I've ever seen. Tom Cruise's commitment to his stunts added layers to these scenes, showcasing cinema magic.
Still, the film felt long, yet I was never bored. The action sequences justify seeing this on the biggest possible screen, preferably IMAX, adding layers to the viewing experience. Although the film opens up for an epic feel, the long runtime sometimes felt unnecessary.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt hasn’t lost his charm, even in his 60s. His presence, charisma, and stunt work solidify him as a bona fide movie star. If this is indeed his swan song, it is a fitting end.
Supporting characters like Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg value add but feel somewhat static, not progressing much from previous films. Hayley Atwell, newer to the team, had an ambiguous relationship with Cruise’s character, presented romantically but lacking depth.
The film attempts to tie together previous installments, using old characters and referencing past plot lines. While potentially rewarding for some long-time fans, the film doesn’t adequately justify its extended runtime and overexplanations, ultimately bogging down what could have been a tighter story.
Despite my reservations, the movie contains enough entertaining moments to justify a watch, especially if you’re a series fan. But it may leave others feeling it could have been condensed into a shorter, more satisfying experience.