Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One | A stunning third act

” What ? It’s already over ! », whispers my guest without irony following the screening of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One which we attended last week.

Yes, almost three hours later, we were asking for more. Partly because the movie that re-stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt ends with one of the best third acts we’ve seen in an action movie. Also, since this is the first of two parts, the plot is far from resolved.

The seventh installment of the franchise Impossible mission satisfied us to the highest degree and compares favorably to previous episodes. From a critical point of view, it is more difficult to evaluate it, because weaker elements of the scenario could be corrected in the sequel. We think for example of the villain played by Esai Morales (ozark, NYPD Blue). We will come back to it. Let’s start by summarizing what a colossal challenge the IMF (Impossible Mission Force) faces this time.

The MFI c. AI

Screenwriters Christopher McQuarrie – who is directing his third M:I consecutive – and Erik Jendresen found an ingenious way to put an end to the escalation of technologies that each new chapter brought. They have created an enemy that prevents its use. The threat of Dead Reckoning is not a man or a group, but an artificial intelligence called the Entity. Thirsty for information, it infiltrates all computer systems in the world.

There are those who wish to control it and those who wish to destroy it. Unsurprisingly, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise, still in great shape) is in the second camp and thus has to fight against some influential people in his own country. The quest for a key, divided into two parts, is at the heart of the story. Without it, the Entity will decide the fate of humanity. When assembled, the key looks like a religious symbol. Subtle.

There are also those who “work” for the insatiable artificial intelligence. Gabriel (Esai Morales) is the human face of the Entity. Without really explaining his motivations, he eliminates those who oppose his virtual master. He and Ethan also share a dark past. Gabriel can count on a few acolytes, in particular Paris, embodied by Pom Klementieff (Mantis des Guardians of the Galaxy). Flamboyant like the assassins we usually see in james bond Or John WickParis is an irresistible composition by the Quebec-born actress.

Women at the top

Without saying that they steal the show from Tom Cruise, the female protagonists of Dead Reckoning Part One burst the screen. Even though this is her third film, Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust (Dunes, Silo) remains mysterious and unpredictable.

Equally fascinating is Alanna Mitsopolis, aka the White Widow, played by Vanessa Kirby (The Crown, Pieces of a Woman). This second lap in the role allows the British actress to shine more.

Finally, Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter in the Marvel universe) plays newcomer Grace, a high-level thief. By getting her hands on one of the halves of the key, however, she finds herself in a situation that is beyond her, which leads to good comic moments and self-mockery.

The heroes and villains of the series have accustomed us to constant mastery, even in failure. We laugh heartily during a chase during which Grace snags every obstacle in her path.

Her lot doesn’t improve much when she slips into the passenger seat handcuffed to Ethan’s left arm while driving a tiny Fiat 500. This forced closeness marks the start of a new credible relationship between the agent of the MFI and a female character. The chemistry between the two actors operates in a beautiful way.

Magnify the action

Rhythmed by the excellent score of Lorne Balfe, the work of Christopher McQuarrie does not slow down. Some scenes, especially the explanation ones, could even be calmer.

Tom Cruise and his team surpass themselves once again when it comes to stunts. Even though the promotional video of the motorcycle jump in the void has circulated a lot, seeing the final version on the big screen – ideally in IMAX – is a whole different experience. If that’s not enough, the final scene on the train should impress even the most phlegmatic moviegoers.

It’s not just the scale of the action or the danger of the maneuvers, but how the whole thing is filmed. Many close-ups allow you to feel the emotions of the characters and help to develop the relationship between them. It is without saying a word that Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell raise their performance. From our seats, we watch them, holding our breath until the credits roll. Amazed, but impatient, we realize that we have until June 28, 2024 to catch our breath.

Indoors

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Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
(V.F.: Mission: Impossible – Death toll, Part 1)

Christopher McQuarrie

Starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Rebecca Ferguson

2:43 a.m.

8/10