It is hard to believe how far Mission Impossible has come as a movie franchise. What started as a 1996 adaptation to the hit TV series has become a successful action series that lasted over two decades. Admittedly I was not a fan of this series but, much like the Fast and the Furious, I have found myself warming up to the IMF and all their adventures. It has been a few years since Ethan Hunt has run onto the big screen, but after many hurdles the iconic spy returns in the major summer blockbuster Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning.

The new film sees Ethan (Tom Cruise) and his team embarking on a new mission as they search for a rogue artificial intelligence that could very well destroy the spy game and change the world as they know it. Returning to direct the new movie is none other than Christopher McQuarrie who helmed the previous Mission Impossible films Rogue Nation and Fallout. However, as noted, this entry in the series is different from its predecessors as the new movie serves as the first half of a two-part event. The plan was to film both movies back-to-back, but due to the 2020 pandemic those plans changed (though as of now, the second part is scheduled to hit theaters next year). Along with being the first film since Mission Impossible 2 not to be produced by Bad Robot, the movie also has the highest budget in the series’ history. To say that the stakes are high for this installment would indeed be an understatement as Dead Reckoning could be a turning point for the franchise. This point, not to mention my newfound enjoyment of the series, was enough incentive to see the latest Mission Impossible film. So after choosing to accept this mission, I can say that, while not a groundbreaking, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 lives up to the standards of this action series.

When it comes to Mission Impossible, it is hard to bring something new to the series at this point. However, given the concept of this installment there was a chance for the franchise to break new ground, and in some ways Dead Reckoning did just that. While the plot follows the series’ formula, it did in a way that did feel like a complete rehash. This likely had to with the movie’s main concept which was indeed an engaging aspect. The story implementing concepts like AI and cyber attacks was a way to bring something new to the series as well as keeping it relevant. However, when it came to the executions of these ideas, the plot came off as bit convoluted-which in the case of this series is saying something. Despite its issues, the plot was exciting from beginning to end and even though its the first half of a bigger story, the plot managed to culminate in a way that allowed Part 1 to stand on its own.

Mission Impossible has featured an array of characters over the years and in the case of Dead Reckoning the cast lived up to the series’ standards. In the case of the protagonist, Tom Cruise provided another solid role as Ethan Hunt. Hunt had the same moxie that has gotten him though each installment. However, in this film’s case, Hunt’s past is expanded upon with his connection with the villain; and if you ask me this was much needed development for the expert spy. Along for the ride was none other than Luthor (Ving Rhames) and Benjie (Simon Pegg). Both characters were as enjoyable as ever and I really enjoyed the chemistry between the pair. Rebecca Ferguson also made her return as Ilsa and, though her role was not as prominent as in previous films, it was enjoyable to see the character again. Joining the cast was Haylee Atwell as the thief Grace. Grace was an enjoyable addition and she easily fit right into this cast of characters. The movie featured a handful of supporting characters like Alanna Mitsopolis (Vanessa Kirby), Paris (Pam Klementieff) and Eugene Kittridge (Henry Czerny) and each brought something to film. As for the villain, Gabriel (Esai Morales) was a formidable foe to say the least. Gabriel brought something refreshing for the series as he served as an antithesis to Ethan while remaining an enigma for the film even in its climax.

If there is one thing that Mission Impossible strives at it is none other than its action. The franchise has been full of action-packed sequences and jaw dropping stunts; and it was good to see that Dead Reckoning was no different. The action was as enjoyable as ever with each sequence standing out in its own way. One scene in particular, the chase through Vienna, certainly stood out with its fun moments and dynamic executions. The film’s big stunt was on par with its predecessors as it was a stunning sequence with the right tension behind it. As for music, Lorne Balfe returned to create the score. Balfe provided a solid score for the previous film and refined his work in this latest installment; and the main theme was as exciting as ever and lived up to its iconic reputation.

Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning is another solid entry for the action series. While the movie could have been stronger in its execution, it still featured an engaging story while the cast was up to task for this new installment. Along with these factors was of course the action which lived up to the series’ standards and led to an action-packed experience. Where this entry measures with rest of the series remains to be seen, and I think its place will be determined when the next part is released, but for now I will only that Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning is a good start in this chapter of the series; not to mention that it is simply an enjoyable blockbuster for the summer.