Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning part one: CD’s spy-fy movie review.

Our man-of-many movies, C.D., jumps in with his film review of the new slice of spy-fy greatness… Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning.

And what did we think here at SFcrowsnest Towers? Dust off your tux, find those impossible to lose sunglasses, and prepare for yet another high-octane chase across the world, because Tom Cruise is back in action! But this time, he isn’t just defying gravity and his age but also artificial intelligence in the latest and greatest installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise – “Dead Reckoning Part One”. Yes, you heard that right, SFcrowsnest readers, Ethan Hunt is back to save the world, and perhaps summer blockbusters too, with his audacious antics.

Now, if you thought Cruise’s aviator sunglasses were cool in “Top Gun: Maverick”, wait till you see him face off against an all-powerful AI called “the Entity” (not the friendliest of names, we admit). This is a “Mission: Impossible” like you’ve never seen before – it’s as if 007 had a love child with “2001: A Space Odyssey”. And yet, it’s wrapped up with the kind of humor that’s so outrageous; you can’t help but chuckle, even when you’re clutching the edge of your seat.

Crafted by Christopher McQuarrie, this spy-fi epic features some of the most pulse-pounding, nail-biting sequences ever put on film. However, it’s not all speed chases and vertigo-inducing stunts. At its heart, the movie reflects on a timely issue – the dangers of AI.

In an interesting throwback, we see the return of the morally ambiguous intelligence head, Eugene Kittridge from the original “Mission: Impossible”. The nostalgia serves a purpose – it’s not mere fan service, but rather a gritty reminder of the series’ neo-noir roots.

Of course, the spy-fi would not be complete without Ethan’s motley crew. We have the quirky Benji, the trusty Luther, the badass martial-arts expert, and even an English criminal who ups the ante in every scene. And let’s not forget about Gabriel, Hunt’s nemesis and the epitome of chaotic evil, who just loves to watch the world burn.

But let’s address the elephant in the room – the runtime. Clocking in at nearly 3 hours, you might think the movie is a tad too long. But trust us, every minute is filled with electrifying action, ludicrous humor, and a dash of romance that will keep you glued to your seat. Well, it is part one of a two-part finale, after all.

The movie doesn’t just stop at gravity-defying stunts (both in action and narrative). The film explores the analog era’s traditional aspects like rubber masks and Ethan’s iconic sprinting, adding a comedic twist to every classic trope.

To say “Dead Reckoning Part One” is the most entertaining “Mission: Impossible” yet might be an understatement. It’s a wildly thrilling ride that is as much a comic relief as it is a spy-fi adventure. It’s a testament to the franchise’s refusal to slow down, and instead, continue to push boundaries, challenging itself with every new release.

So, gear up, SFcrowsnest readers! The mission, should you choose to accept it, is to embark on a hysterically thrilling rollercoaster ride of classic espionage and science fiction. And remember, this message will self-destruct in five seconds… or maybe not. It’s all part of the fun!