Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review: Does Tom Cruise’s Finale Soar or Stumble?

The Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review buzz is here, and it’s a mixed bag of jaw-dropping stunts and narrative hiccups. Premiering at Cannes on May 14, 2025, and hitting theaters May 23, this eighth installment, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, aims to cap Tom Cruise’s 30-year run as Ethan Hunt.

Early reactions from critics and social media paint a picture of a film that delivers spectacle but struggles with pacing and plot. Is this a fitting farewell to one of cinema’s greatest action franchises, or does it falter under its own ambition? Let’s dive into the first reviews and reactions.

What Are Critics Saying About the Action in Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning?

The action sequences are the heart of any Mission Impossible film, and The Final Reckoning doesn’t disappoint here. Critics universally praise two major set pieces: a nerve-shredding submarine dive in the Bering Sea and a climactic biplane sequence.

Variety calls the submarine scene a “spectral enchantment” with “quiet floating logistical majesty,” while Empire hails both set pieces as “among the best Mission has ever managed.” Social media reactions, like Courtney Howard’s X post, describe the film as an “awe-inducing stuntacular” that pushes cinematic boundaries.

However, some note the film’s action is sparse in the first half, with only two major sequences in a nearly three-hour runtime. Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier calls it “the least action-forward entry in the franchise,” though he admits the action, when it hits, is “incredible.” This Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review consensus suggests that while the stunts are breathtaking, fans craving non-stop thrills might find the pacing uneven.

How Does the Story Hold Up in The Final Reckoning?

The narrative, a direct sequel to 2023’s Dead Reckoning, centers on Ethan Hunt’s mission to stop the Entity, a rogue AI threatening global nuclear war. Critics are divided on the story’s execution. Collider praises its “fitting culmination” with nostalgic callbacks to the 1996 original, but others find the plot convoluted.

The New York Times notes the story “lurches forward in information-delivery packets,” bogged down by expository dialogue.

Social media reactions echo this. Andrew J. Salazar on X called it a “big old sloppy mess” with “stunning visuals bogged down by an overtly complex script.” The BBC labels it a “miserable, apocalyptic tract” that’s “as stupid as Hollywood blockbusters get.” This Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review divide highlights a film that aims for epic stakes but sometimes loses its way in melodrama and techno-babble.

Is Tom Cruise Still the King of Action in The Final Reckoning?

Tom Cruise, at 62, remains the franchise’s beating heart. Critics laud his relentless commitment, with Hindustan Times calling his performance a “masterclass in blockbuster filmmaking.”

His stunts—diving into a sunken submarine, soaring in biplanes—are death-defying, and Collider notes he “never lets us down.” Social media is ablaze with praise, with Matt Neglia on X describing Cruise’s work as “emotional” and “action-packed.”

Yet, some reviews suggest the film’s somber tone and focus on Ethan’s mythologizing—via montages of past films—feel self-indulgent. Roger Ebert’s review calls the first hour “repetitive and pretentious,” draining the franchise’s usual fun. This Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review sentiment shows Cruise’s star power shines, but the film’s seriousness may not suit all fans.

How Do Nostalgia and Callbacks Impact the Film?

The Final Reckoning leans heavily on nostalgia, with flashbacks and callbacks to all seven prior films. The return of William Donloe (Rolf Saxon) from 1996’s Mission: Impossible delights fans, with IGN praising his role as “spot on” and thematically resonant. Empire notes a “valedictorian montage” and links to Mission: Impossible III, creating a “Greatest Hits” feel.

However, some critics argue this nostalgia overwhelms the story. James Preston Poole on X says the film “gets bogged down in nostalgia and needless retcons,” reflecting “the worst of franchise filmmaking.” The Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review feedback suggests these callbacks thrill diehards but may alienate newcomers or feel like fan service over substance.

Does The Final Reckoning Feel Like a True Finale?

Marketed as the franchise’s end, The Final Reckoning aims for closure but leaves some questioning its finality. CinemaBlend’s Mike Reyes calls it a “fitting finale,” improved over Dead Reckoning, but Salazar on X says it “does not feel like a ‘grand finale’ at all.” The Guardian praises its “wildly entertaining” send-off, yet notes McQuarrie hasn’t ruled out future films.

Critics like those at Rotten Tomatoes (89% Certified Fresh) see it as a “sentimental sendoff” with “characteristic flair,” but others, like TIME, argue it “should be better than it is.” This Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review split suggests a film that satisfies many but doesn’t fully stick the landing for all.

Some Closing Thoughts: Should You Watch Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning?

The Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review landscape reveals a film of highs and lows. Tom Cruise’s unmatched stunts and the franchise’s signature spectacle make it a must-see on the big screen, especially for fans.

Yet, its convoluted plot, somber tone, and lengthy 169-minute runtime may test patience.

Whether you’re a longtime Mission Impossible devotee or a casual viewer, the film offers enough thrills to warrant a theater trip, but it’s not the flawless finale some hoped for.

Head to theaters starting May 23, 2025, to witness Ethan Hunt’s latest mission. Share your thoughts on X—does The Final Reckoning soar or stumble for you?