The ultimate first part of Mission: Impossible’s most ambitious two-film event is finally here, and after I went back and watched every M:I film leading up to Dead Reckoning, I’m ready to review the newest film in the series. So, here’s my spoiler-free review of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
Compared to the previous six films in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Dead Reckoning is even more dramatic and epic. The movie consists of more action and fight/chase scenes with little time for resting moments in between. The action scenes are deadlier than ever but even more exciting and epic. I won’t spoil them here, but let’s just say it gets really unnerving at times.
Because of it being a part one, the film’s overall plot is, unfortunately, a bit simple in comparison to the past six movies. Pretty much, the mission is getting these two keys that connect to form a cross which opens what is described as an entity that grants world control. However, in part one, very scarce details are shared about the entity itself. Part One is mainly just getting the key, which is a bit lacking as a standalone Mission: Impossible movie. The mission briefing even states that Ethan Hunt is unable to ask what the key is for, and that he must only get the key.
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Though it is a bit lacking as a story in comparison to past films, this is still an amazing experience. It still feels like a normal Mission: Impossible movie with the deceptiveness, epic action sequences, and Tom Cruise running, it’s just a bit simpler than the other M:I movies. Moving on, the new additions are great, especially Hayley Atwell as Grace, a thief that ends up teaming up with the IMF. Atwell is a great addition to the series and is overall a great new character.
Overall, I enjoyed Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, and am very excited for part two. However, part one did as a standalone M:I movie leave me wanting more with its more simplistic plot. However, great new action sequences and new characters make up for that, making for an exciting 163-minute action epic. I’ll give the film a score of 4.9/6 on the Ryan Meter.
What did you think of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One? Let me know in the comments below.
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