As I walked into the theatre for the premiere of ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Although I had only seen one or two of the previous films and was not very familiar with the series, since seeing this one I have watched all of them and now can’t wait until I know how ‘Dead Reckoning’ ends! This, plus the amazing atmosphere of being there with so many die-hard fans of the franchise to celebrate 25 years of gripping espionage, made the night for me.
From the moment the film began, I was instantly immersed in a rollercoaster of action, intrigue, and laughter. Tom Cruise showed fearless dedication in performing his own stunts and remains awe-inspiring. From high-altitude antics to death-defying feats, Cruise’s Ethan Hunt effortlessly holds our attention while reinforcing the franchise’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of action cinema. Although I still reckon watching Tom jump on Oprah’s couch like a crazed koala in heat is one of my favourite Cruise moments, this movie is also definitely now up there.
What truly sets ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ apart for me is its ability to weave together gripping suspense and light-hearted comedy almost seamlessly. It manages to walk a very fine line between over-the-top storytelling and a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek approach. And it was those prods of laughter managing to not detract from the intense narrative that created an experience that was as entertaining as it was exhilarating. For me, this was the reason this humour-infused approach was able to add the depth and relatability of the characters often lost in the action genre.
Then the cliff-hanger ending. Reminiscent of the feeling of being told I was getting a pet puppy as a child, only to find out that I had to wait a whole year before it would happen! I had so many reservations about recommending this movie in fear it would leave you looking like that same crazed koala Cruise was while you desperately try to climb the walls to get a peek at how this saga will end. Needless to say I’m hooked and counting the days till I can watch the conclusion in mid-2024.
And as someone who has seen most of the James Bond films, I couldn’t help but to compare the two. And discounting the older Bond masterpieces, I must admit that ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ emerges as the modern-day choice for me. The variety of characters, intricate plotlines, and sprinkle of humour actually kept me glued throughout and, considering the length and my short attention span, I was amazed. I was able to connect not only with the thrilling action but also with the depth of the characters’ emotions and motivations. It’s a testament to the versatility and the storytelling that this franchise can deliver.
In a cinematic landscape where franchises come and go faster than I can find a date, ‘Mission: Impossible’ stands as a true testament to its name and the franchise as a whole. Make sure you stock up with an extra-large popcorn and drink because, if you’re like me, leaving your seat will not be an option once it starts. If you’re waiting for a dull moment to duck to the toilet you will be watching the credits before you find it! And if you don’t believe me, go see it and prove me wrong!
By Nasser Sultan
