Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning Delivers a Fitting Farewell - Review
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a thrilling, emotional, and exhilarating culmination of one of the most consistently entertaining action franchises in modern cinema. As the eighth and final chapter in the series, it had a tall order: to bring closure to Ethan Hunt’s story while honoring everything that came before. And, for the most part, it delivers with the kind of energy, ambition, and sincerity that has defined the Mission: Impossible legacy. In the film, Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to find the Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence that can destroy mankind.
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures (2025)
Let’s be honest—nobody does it like Tom Cruise. Whether he’s hanging off cliffs, sprinting through cities, or launching himself into the void for our viewing pleasure, Cruise once again throws himself into the action with unmatched commitment. The stunts are jaw-dropping, the choreography is razor-sharp, and the pacing rarely lets up. Director Christopher McQuarrie continues to show why he’s the best thing to happen to this franchise since its inception, grounding the spectacle with a deep understanding of character and momentum. The final stunt of this franchise is going to go down as one of the most insane in history. That is what they were going for and it’s exactly what we got.
What makes The Final Reckoning so satisfying is its respect for the franchise's history. It doesn’t just rely on nostalgia—it builds upon it. Characters and callbacks from earlier films are woven in with care, not as cheap fan service but as meaningful narrative threads. It feels like a true finale, one that recognizes where it started and how far it's come.
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures (2025)
One notable weak spot in The Final Reckoning is its antagonist, Gabriel, portrayed by the talented Esai Morales. The concept behind his character—rooted in the looming anxieties of our digital age—holds real promise, but the execution falls short. I appreciated what he brought to Dead Reckoning Part One, but therein lies the issue: he's essentially unchanged here. There’s no meaningful development or new dimension to his arc, and for a two-part finale, that’s a letdown. I had hoped for more complexity and emotional weight, but instead, we’re left with a villain who feels stagnant. When stacked against unforgettable foes like Solomon Lane or August Walker, Gabriel simply lacks the charisma and menace needed to serve as a truly compelling counter to Ethan Hunt. While it doesn’t derail the film, it does take some edge off the stakes.
What surprised me most about this film was its emotional weight. Ethan Hunt, once the lone-wolf agent defined by mystery and sacrifice, now feels fully realized. There’s a sense of reflection running throughout the film—a man reckoning with his past, his choices, and the world he's trying to protect. The supporting cast, especially returning favorites like Ilsa Faust and Benji Dunn, get their moments too, adding depth to what could easily be just another action set piece marathon.
The Final Reckoning is a high-octane, heart-pounding, and heartfelt farewell to one of cinema’s greatest action heroes. Despite some flaws, it captures what fans love most about the franchise—audacious stunts, clever storytelling, and a relentless commitment to the thrill of it all. It’s not just a finale; it’s a celebration. And if this truly is the end, it’s one hell of a way to go out.
