Tom Cruise caps 30 years of Mission: Impossible with a bang

Tom Cruise’s final mission as Ethan Hunt delivers high-stakes action, emotional depth and a satisfying end to the Mission: Impossible franchise

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After nearly 30 years of thrilling audiences, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is playing in theatres across Canada as the concluding chapter in one of Hollywood’s most enduring action franchises.

The series follows Ethan Hunt, an elite agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), as he tackles world-threatening missions with brains, bravery and a loyal team of allies. Tom Cruise returns as Hunt in a film that’s more reflective and character-driven than earlier entries, though it still delivers the high-octane action fans expect.

Directed again by Christopher McQuarrie, this instalment picks up where Dead Reckoning – Part One left off. It blends spy craft, global peril and deeper themes of trust, legacy and loyalty, offering longtime fans a satisfying sense of closure.

While the signature theme music and the classic mask-disguise reveals still make an appearance, The Final Reckoning dials down the tech wizardry. Instead, it explores who these characters are beneath the disguises. The story feels more grounded, and the emotional payoff is stronger as a result.

As expected, Cruise is all in. At 62, he continues to perform his own stunts, and the film gives him ample opportunity. Two standout sequences: a clever biplane scene and a tense underwater mission involving a sunken submarine perched on a trench’s edge are visually gripping. Hunt’s attempt to retrieve the AI villain’s source code from the submarine is among the film’s most immersive moments.

Though these scenes don’t quite match the brilliance of the motorcycle leap or the train sequence from Part One, they still showcase the franchise’s signature intensity and scope.

Not every moment lands. A few scenes drew unintended laughs during my screening, not for humour but for tipping into implausibility. In aiming to outdo itself one last time, the film occasionally veers into self-parody.

Still, the cast delivers. Ving Rhames (Luther) and Simon Pegg (Benji) each get meaningful time. Hayley Atwell (Grace), a former thief, becomes a trusted member of the team. Esai Morales returns as the menacing Gabriel. And in a surprising emotional highlight, William Donloe (Rolf Saxon) reappears from the 1996 original. His dry “thank you for ruining my life” speech is both hilarious and oddly touching:

“If you hadn’t come crashing through the ceiling, I’d still be down there fighting with a fax machine and nuking canned chowder.”

At two hours and 49 minutes, six minutes longer than its predecessor, The Final Reckoning continues the trend of each film running longer than the last. While the early pacing leans heavily on flashbacks and homage, McQuarrie’s sharp direction and globe-hopping visuals keep it engaging.

The film is rated 14A in most Canadian provinces for intense action and some violence, making it suitable for teens and older audiences.

Here’s the good news: even if you haven’t seen Part One or the 1996 original, you can still enjoy The Final Reckoning. The callbacks provide just enough context to make this final chapter feel complete and self-contained.

While it may not reach the heights of Fallout, the sixth film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, or the momentum of Part One, this finale balances action, heart and nostalgia. It’s less about explosions and more about outsmarting the enemy, and that tonal shift works in its favour.

Whether you’re in it for the stunts, the story or to say goodbye, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a fitting send-off for Ethan Hunt. If you’ve followed the franchise from the start or are just jumping in, this final mission is worth seeing on the big screen, flaws and all.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

Greg Gazin, also known as Gadget Guy or Gadget Greg, is a Troy Media columnist with deep expertise in technology. He’s also a respected speaker on communication, leadership, and tech-related topics. Beyond writing, Gazin is a versatile professional who works as a facilitator, blogger, podcaster, and author. His broad range of skills and insights has made him a prominent and influential voice in the tech community.