I MPOSSIBLE is nothing. Well, at least not for our favourite super-spy, Ethan Hunt. What might seem a tall order for mere mortals is just another day at work for the ageless wonder, who’s been capturing hearts - and delivering adrenaline rushes- for over three decades now. The eighth film in the series and the possible conclusion, Final Reckoningsees Ethan once again defy overwhelming odds, proving that the impossible isn’t just a concept - it’s a thrilling reality. Buckle in, hold on tight, and take a deep breath, because this time round, the stakes aren’t just sky high -they are sea deep too, as the franchise races towards its grand finale. Picking up the pieces from the catastrophic events of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Final Reckoning sees The Entity unleashing its power and unravelling the world as we know it.

 

The Entity - a sentient artificial intelligence hellbent on mass destruction and world domination -just needs one final piece of the puzzle to put its annihilation plan into motion. Ethan Hunt is the only ‘key’ to stop it. Hunt, who’s in hiding, is brought back for one last mission by American President Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett) to stop the impending doom. Meanwhile, Gabriel (Esai Morales) is also on a mission to grab the missing key and is ready to pay any price to gain control over the Entity’s power. When it comes to serving raw and visceral action, it’s safe to say that it is mission accomplished for Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. After all these years, he’s not just a character anymore; he’s a bonafide phenomenon. Given how superlative the action has been in the Mission: Impossible series over the years, veteran director and cowriter Christopher McQuarrie had his task cut out for him - and he delivers. Almost. The truly spectacular action sequences take your breath away and leave you gawking in sheer awe. Knowing that Cruise himself performs all his stunts significantly ups the ante.

 

Check the scene, when Hunt is trying to get a grip on an airborne plane, you can feel the gravity at work and the crushing wind pressure on his face. It’s fantastic! Meanwhile, the final outing is the longest Mission: Impossible film yet, clocking in at 2 hours and 49 minutes. Final Reckoning dedicates its first hour to rewinding the previous films’ highlights while setting up the all-important mission. The familiarity is part of the game here- it takes the tried and tested route to set the plan in motion. Time-tested tropes are plenty, with only a few surprises here and there to liven up the proceedings. The fun bits are scarce though, making MI8 a bit grim at times. The measured pace is another problem. While the recap is welcome, the over-simplification of the plot dilutes the thrill quotient of the film. The somber tone, however, drives home a few neat life lessons - especially when all seems lost.

 

The rest of the film is just Tom Cruise being Tom Cruise. Once the recap is out of the way, the film kicks into overdrive. Flying, racing, running, jumping across continents - Ethan and team race against time to stop the Entity’s world-changing plans, setting the stage for elaborate, death-defying action sequences. And to say that those stunts are jaw-dropping would be an understatement. From intense, deep sea dives to a stunning chase, to a mind-boggling mid-air fight on top of a plane, the action is relentless and simply mind-blowing. Ethan Hunt is still heartbreakingly handsome and endlessly charming as the near-superhuman spy. He is at the top of his game, exuding charisma, leaving fans floored with his savvy persona. Stoic and somber for most of the film, his brooding intensity adds serious edge to MI8.The future of the world rests on his shoulders - and somehow, we believe it. Even at 62, he’s in peak physical form, and the physicality of his performance makes Ethan Hunt all the more compelling. Returning to the franchise are Hunt’s trusted allies - Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell and Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn. Hayley Atwell as Grace and Pom Klementieff as Paris bring a muchneeded whiff of fresh air and steal every scene they are in. Unlike previous instalments, the supporting cast fares better in terms of screen time, with many characters getting more to do. Esai Morales’ Gabriel, unfortunately, doesn’t pack the punch he did in the previous outing. As a villain, he feels underwhelming this time around.

 

Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning is a high-octane farewell, mounted to dazzle rather than move. It delivers the requisite blockbuster thrills and is a major improvement over its predecessor. But as a sendoff, this explosive actioner doesn’t quite land the emotional punch it could have. With the possibility of a final appearance still up in the air, we can only hope Ethan Hunt will be game for at least one more Mission:Impossible. As the familiar musical score reaches its crescendo, the writing on the wall becomes hard to ignore - that Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning could be Ethan’s swan song - a part of us still hopes to see him scale the Burj Khalifa, cling to a flying aircraft, or launch himself off a cliff, just one more time!