Tom Cruise Soars High in 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' at Cannes, Despite Questionable Plot Developments
Amy Nicholson's Raucous Take on Tom Cruise's Cannes Return
Cannes, France - Over two decades ago, Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt gripped a speeding train through the Chunnel in 'Mission: Impossible' (1996), becoming our very own homme d'action hero. Fast forward to 2025, and Hunt is back, conquering the Cannes Film Festival. The man, the myth, the endless cardio - Cruise steals the spotlight yet again, proving he's still the century's Charlie Chaplin ofthe silver screen.
Fans outside the premiere waved and cheered for Cruise as he graciously nodded his way through the sea of enthusiasts. One fan even handed him a DVD of the series' less-than-impressive 2000 entry, assumably for a chuckle. The French have had a tumultuous time with the Mission franchise, seeing notable actors like Emmanuelle Beart and Jean Reno meet their onscreen demise. But you didn't need parler francais to feel the energy on the streets.
Cruise has visited Cannes only three times, but this southern French port city welcomed him with open arms. As stray bits of Kool & the Gang and Lalo Schifrin's pulsating theme wafted through the air, the excitement was palpable. The movie that greeted the fans was, however, a far cry from the dance-filled chaos of the festival.
'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning': A Farewell, But is it a Finale?
The film begins with a retrospective montage showcasing Cruise's iconic roles over the past three decades. Angela Bassett's President Erika Sloane announces, "I want to thank you for a lifetime of unrelenting and devoted service," before slipping Hunt a key with a symbolic date: May 22, 1996, the same day that marked the launch of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. The movie is a love letter to Cruise and the series, but its somber tone creates an unusual final act for our favorite secret agent.
Christopher McQuarrie directs and co-writes the script with Erik Jendresen, reprising their roles from the last four Mission films. While each entry has maintained a distinct director, the characters' personalities seem to have lost depth. Cruise's Ethan is described repeatedly as a rule-breaker and gambler, but his contradictions initially seem trashy rather than intriguing.
A Stunning Stunt Showcase: Or How Tom Cruise Out-Cruises Tom Cruise
Despite the plot weighing down the film, Cruise delivers a breathtaking display of his signature stunts, showcasing why he's earned the title of the action king. The film boasts an incredible underwater sequence, a nail-biting flight chase, and an impressive centerpiece that puts 'Titanic' and '2001: A Space Odyssey' to shame. Cruise's resilience as Hunt, who we see gasping for breath and flapping his lips like a frightened bulldog, gives the audience a rare glimpse of a hero battling his fears.
Viewers should brace themselves for the unmissable spectacle this film promises, and for the acclaimed star who refuses to let the high-speed train of his career slow down. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to 'Mission: Impossible,' Tom Cruise's 'The Final Reckoning' offers thrills that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning'
- Rated: PG-13, for sequences of strong violence and action, bloody images, and brief language
- Running time: 2 hours, 49 minutes
- Playing: In wide release Friday, May 23
- In the realm of Hollywood's business, Tom Cruise, the sempiternal action hero, is still as captivating as ever, governing the entertainment industry with his unwavering dedication to movies and stunts.
- Fans in California, particularly in the heart of Hollywood, will undoubtedly grace the cinemas as they anticipate the blockbuster movie, 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning'.
- Scientists, intrigued by Cruise's physical endurance, might find parallels between his action-packed career and the principles of physics, as he performs feats that push the boundaries of human capability in the movie.
- Despite the film's assertion of being a finale, skeptics wonder if everything in Hollywood becomes a cycle, even the careers of legendary actors, will Cruise's return to the franchise mark the dawn of a new era for 'Mission: Impossible' in California's entertainment district.