USA 2023
Opening July 13, 2023
Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Writing credits: Bruce Geller, Erik Jendresen, Christopher McQuarrie
Principal actors: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson
Dead Reckoning, the seventh in the Mission Impossible film franchise series, began in 1996 and is synonymous with its dauntless and indomitable producer-star Tom Cruise. It is a sequel to Fallout, 2018. Based on the eponymous television series Bruce Geller created (1966-1973 and revived in 1988), its cinematic extension continues to follow IMF (Impossible Missions Force) team’s missions’ involvement in staving off enemies to safeguard world peace and order. Under Christopher McQuarrie’s directorship his teams—the outstanding cast and remarkable production departments—have crafted this extraordinarily compelling spy-caper film. Also, he tucked enough red herrings in his clever screenplay, so it is impossible to second-guess the action. Beginning in the frigid Bering Sea in the century past, the story leaps forward into a present-day meeting in Washington D.C., and “This is me listening.” Are you ready for this thrilling mission? Hang onto your seats as Part One takes off.
From desert storms to London, Italy and beyond the action travels at breakneck speed among daring stunts, witty facetious dialogue and humor that defies boundaries. Once Ethan Hawk (Cruise) accepts the mission, quick-witted Luther and Benji (Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg respectfully) purr under his leadership and razor-sharp reflexive moves. Of the brass in D.C., Kittridge and Denlinger (Cary Elwes, Henry Czerny respectively) are the take charge kind of guys with Charles Parnell, Rob Delaney, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss, whereas Jasper and Diego (Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis respectively) are sent on a tracking expedition. But keep an eye on the women: slick Grace (Hayley Atwell), steely Ilse (Rebecca Ferguson), manic Paris (Pom Klementieff) and Maria (Mariela Garriga), plus the White Witch/Alana (Vanessa Kirby) and shadow Zola (Frederick Schmidt). And then there is Gabriel (Esai Morales).
The stellar ensemble delivers twofold. Fraser Taggart’s awesome cinematography is nimble and all-out alluring, just as the shrewd fluidity in Eddie Hamilton’s editing and irregular pacing adds to the tension. Watching Tom Cruise performing death-defying stunts is an adrenalin rush. Following an established custom, Scottish composer Lorne Balfe works into his score themes from Lalo Schifrin’s original TV series music.
As that legendary line goes, “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” Should you accept, you are guaranteed the adventure of a lifetime… at least until Part Two is released. “Good luck.” 163 minutes, Rating: Germany:12 ()