Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two: Critics Call It an ‘Exhilarating Adrenaline Rush’
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two: Critics Call It an ‘Exhilarating Adrenaline Rush’
The final chapter in Tom Cruise’s epic Mission: Impossible saga is here, and early reactions are calling it a thrilling ride.
‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two’ has premiered for press, and reviewers are already raving about the action-packed spectacle. Film critic Courtney Howard summed it up perfectly on X, saying, “[‘Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part Two’] rips! Loved it. An exhilarating adrenaline rush for the head & heart & immersive, awe-inducing stuntacular of the highest order. McQ, [Tom Cruise] & CO have crafted the gold standard – a brilliant, bold actioner for the ages. See it BIG & LOUD.”
Journalist and BAFTA member Simon Thompson echoed Howard’s enthusiasm, writing on social media, “[‘Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part Two’] is whip-smart and razor-sharp, this tense eighth entry in one of the most exhilarating franchises of all time is another winner. With sphincter-tightening set pieces, blockbusters do not get much better than this. Cruise & McQuarrie nail it!”
Kenzie Vanunu, founder and editor-in-chief of Offscreen Central, also praised the film, acknowledging that it might be a bit overwhelming at times. She wrote, “[‘Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part Two’] is a summer spectacle with nonstop adrenaline and me asking if Tom Cruise is OK the entire movie. There’s a bit too much going on (at all times), but still a good time at the movies!!”
A Grand Finale to an Iconic Franchise
After seven installments spanning 28 years, “Mission: Impossible 8” brings an end (at least for now) to Cruise’s iconic espionage franchise. The film picks up two months after the events of 2023’s “Dead Reckoning Part One,” following Ethan Hunt on a mission to destroy a dangerous artificial intelligence known as “the Entity” before it falls into the wrong hands.
The film boasts a star-studded cast alongside Cruise, including Hayley Atwell, Hannah Waddingham, Pom Klementieff, Nick Offerman, Shea Whigham, Simon Pegg, Katy O’Brian, Angela Bassett, Ving Rhames, and Esai Morales.
Cannes Premiere & Global Debut
Following the press premiere, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two” heads to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for an out-of-competition screening on May 14. Tom Cruise and writer-director Christopher McQuarrie will both be in attendance. This marks Cruise’s third appearance at the festival, following his roles in “Far and Away” (1992) and “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022).
With a lifetime gross exceeding $1 billion, the “Mission: Impossible” franchise is a global phenomenon. 2018’s “Fallout,” widely considered the best entry in the series, was the highest-grossing installment.
More Reactions Pour In
Social media is buzzing with positive feedback from critics and fans alike. Here are some of the highlights:
- “#MissionImpossible Tom Cruise is truly one of a kind. Loved Final Reckoning.” – Jazz Tangcay @jazzt
- “MISSION IMPOSSIBLE THE FINAL RECKONING is an absolutely captivating send-off to the franchise’s legacy and what Tom Cruise has given to Ethan Hunt. While the first 30-40 minutes is a bit too much of an exposition dump, all the set-pieces that follow are unbeatable.” – Matt Minton @6MattMinton14
- “#MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning is an emotional, riveting, & perfect Mission Impossible finale. That feels the most visceral of them all. With pound for pound punches, exhilarating stunts (that might be the best of the franchise), & incredible performances throughout.” – Zach Pope @popetheking
- “#MissionImpossible/#MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning is action spectacle brimming with jaw-clenching suspense. That is, when it isn’t drowning in a tsunami of exposition & flashbacks. Really good when it’s firing on all cylinders, but overall, mixed.” – Jeff Nelson @SirJeffNelson
- “WHOA! After a poorly paced first act, #MissionImpossible Final Reckoning revs up the engines for a full speed adrenaline rush to the finale! Incredible stunts, great visuals, and a crazy edge-of-your-seat final sequence! Had a BLAST! THIS IS WHAT ACTION MOVIES ARE ABOUT!” – Leo Rydel @GeeklyGoods
- “MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning is the grand crescendo of a franchise built on speed, suspense, and spectacle. Cruise pushes every limit—soaring higher, diving deeper, and racing toward the edge, risking life, limb, and logic in a three-hour blitz of chaos, precision, and pure adrenaline. It’s not just a finale—it’s a full-body experience. Buckle up.” – Landon Johnson @LandonHJohnson
