When the need for certainty is absolute And the odds are deemed impossible The mission falls to him
Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in the follow-up to 2023’s MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE and to start the week, Paramount Pictures has released a first poster and teaser for MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING.
Official Synopsis: “Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.“
In 2024, Cruise appeared in the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony to promote Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, by jumping from the roof of the Stade de France stadium in Paris. He took the flag from Mayor Karen Bass and athlete Simone Biles to Hollywood.
As seen in the trailer, Cruise wears the same wardrobe as Ethan Hunt in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING that he did performing the epic stunt on August 11, 2024.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE sits at an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. The franchise has grossed over $4 billion worldwide, with MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT having the highest ticket sales with $220,159,104.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, and produced by Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller, composer Lorne Balfe returns to score the movie.
The film also stars Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING opens in theaters on MAY 23, 2025.
With this week’s release of an entry in a blockbuster action franchise the old adage of seven being a lucky number will truly be put to the test. Now it’s not the highest number franchise as we’ve gotten FAST X or the longest running like the big flick from almost two weeks ago, INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY (way back in 1981). Of course, we can add on the inspiration for this series, actually a TV series (overseen by Lucy…really) which exploded onto the airwaves way back in the prehistoric era (nah, merely 1966). Oh, but this “tentpole” has catapulted well past its “network” roots. Still, it’s tough not to hear that infectious theme music from Lalo Schifrin when taking in this rather long title (but thanks, Paramount, for being “upfront” about it) MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. And now I’m seeing that sizzling fuse in my head.
Surprisingly this new installment doesn’t begin with the finale of another caper involving the IMF (Impossible Missions Force). Nope, we’re on board for the last cruise (‘natch) of an “invisible” Russian submarine. Advanced top-secret stealth capabilities really, completely undetectable. But not indestructible as two prized interlocking keys are left floating in its wreckage. This leads to a new mission, which he “chooses to accept”, for IMF ace Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), who is sent to the Namib desert for a deadly reunion with old cohort Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). Soon he’s back in the States as a “hush-hush” meeting of “the Community” outlines the urgent need for said keys. It’s the only way to stop a now rogue AI program called “the Entity”, which has become sentient and desires to use the world wide web to take over the planet. Hunt’s boss Kitteridge (Henry Czerny) is present, along with his superior, DNI head Denlinger (Cary Elwes). Learning of Hunt’s involvement, he sends out a team led by Briggs (Shea Whigham) and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davies) to stop the IMF. Reuniting with his teammates and pals, Luther (Ving Rhames) and Benji (Simon Pegg), Hunt travels to the Abu Dhabi airport to intercept a key transfer. Said item is snatched away by pro pickpocket/ “drop-pocket” Grace (Hayley Atwell). But Hunt also has to deal with the return of an old enemy, the ruthless and deadly Gabriel (Esai Morales), who’s helping the Entity. This leads to a globetrotting race for the keys, with stops in Rome and Venice, battles with Gabriel’s aide, the deadly Paris (Pom Klementieff), and a tense showdown by another woman from Hunt’s past, Alanna AKA “the White Widow” (Vanessa Kirby). Eventually, everything and everyone converge on a heart-stopping ride aboard the Orient Express (with no Belgian master detective to help). Perhaps this is a mission that’s truly impossible.
This thriller boasts an impressive acting ensemble, but once again this is Mr. Cruise’s show. In the previous sextet, he’s more than proved his skills in selling spectacular action stunts. However, Ethan is not merely a “daredevil. We see some of his warmth and committment to his team, while forging a couple of possible romances. Plus he injects humor into these dire predictaments as he quickly “switches gears” when plans go awry, and even shows a sign of panic as he works up the “nerve” to plunge forward. And then Cruise shows us that the “superspy” is a man of principals when he decides to block the “higher-ups” who lust after the Entity. As mentioned earlier, his sometimes squabbling duo has is back. Rhames as Luther is often the wise and grounded elder mentor, sort of the “cool uncle” , while Pegg as Benji is the often over-excited and exasperated “kid brother” who only gets “in the field” when absolutely needed. Ferguson is quite dynamic and decisive as the skilled Faust, while Kirby is slinky and sexy as the unpredictable “wild card” Alanna. Probably the best of the “newbies” is Atwell, upending her MCU Peggy Carter persona, as the “in it for the bucks” Grace who slowly starts to regain her ethics due to the influence of the IMF and especially Hunt (and yes, there’s a playful chemistry between them). As for the “opponants”, Wigham and Davis are very good as the “by the books” partners who seem to always be a step or two behind Hunt, earning a begrudging respect from the elder agent. But the biggest “baddie” is Gabriel played with a chilling dead-eyed glare by Morales. He’s a near-unstoppable force of villainy, who doesn’t hesitate in inflicting violence against anyone, especially Hunt’s friends (it appears to be his only source of pleasure). A good counterpoint to this “weapon” is Klementieff’s Paris who does derive lots of joy from the chaos she creates. Czerny is quite effective as the morally ambiguous IMF chief, who seems to have his own sinister agenda, while Elwes is “carving a niche” for himself as a smarmy bureaucrat who’s in need of a comeuppance.
Taking the directing chair for the third time is Christopher McQuarrie who keeps the story moving with nearly as much energy as one of Cruise’s manic sprints (yup, he’s burning up the “shoe leather” once again) making it feel like half of its163-minute runtime. Yes, the bulk of the flick consists of several big action sequences, but McQuarrie doesn’t let them veer too much into the “silly” or needlessly repetitive. The Rome chase is full of twists and even allows for some nice “interplay” between Hunt and Grace (hear that, FAST X). And the “tiny car” comedy outdoes Indy’s trek in Tangiers. Speaking of Dr. Jones, the Orient Express train sequence easily bests the DIAL WWII prologue (which is perhaps its best moment). And the Venice “techno dance arena” here has more gravitas than the similar setting in the recent John Wick opus. But unlike many of those other recent blockbusters, there’s lots of fun to be had in between the fighting and driving as we get a greater understanding of the bond between the IMF, who now seems to be a mix of the A-Team, the Lone Ranger, the Magnificent Seven, and a touch of the Avengers (movies and TV show). Sure the locations are stunning, but the main selling point continues to be Cruise’s insistence in doing as much of the stunt work as possible. He wants us to know that he’s not “chilling” in his trailer. It’s almost as though he’s the modern-day version of the silent movie “thrill” comic actors. Of course, Jackie Chan touched on that with his Chaplin-like agility in his early career, but Cruise takes it a bit further. In GHOST PROTOCOL, he’s riffing on Harold Llyod in SAFETY LAST as he climbs that towering skyscraper. With the big railway finale here, I was reminded of Buster Keaton’s THE GENERAL. And like those classics, many of the scenes will have you gripping those armrests. In short, this is a most worthy addition to the series, mixing a “ripped from the headlines” menace/McGuffin (Y’know, AI “creating art”) with new locales and deadlier dangers. Oh, and again, extra kudos for stating that the story is continued, right up front in the titles and promotions. FAST X, ends on a cliffhanger leading to a couple more flicks (sheesh), and I love the new SPIDER-VERSE dearly, but they shouldn’t have lost the “sprayed-on graffiti-style” Part One after the first couple of teasers and a few toys. So, be like this flick and “put it out there”, studios! If only all the Summer blockbusters were as forthright, exciting, and fun as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. Now, when does two arrive?
3.5 Out of 4
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING PART ONE is now playing in theatres everywhere
In advance of Paramount Pictures and Skydance’s “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”, the cast and filmmakers have been travelling the world to give fans a first look at the seventh installment of the franchise.
Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie arrived on the inaugural flight at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s New Midfield Terminal in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on June 25, 2023.
Tom Cruise arrived on the first flight into Abu Dhabi International Airport’s NEW Midfield Terminal, unveiling the new Etihad Mission Impossible plane livery which hit the skies last Sunday.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE opens in theaters on July 12.
Tom Cruise arrives on the inaugural flight at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s New Midfield Terminal in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on June 25, 2023, in advance of the “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” Abu Dhabi Premiere presented by Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Check out what Cruise and McQuarrie sent out on social media their support for the BARBIE and OPPENHEIMER movies.
This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters.
Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history.
I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie. pic.twitter.com/udWHHj4fAe
(Photo by Cedric Ribeiro/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JUNE 26: Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Tom Cruise, Pom Klementieff and Christopher McQuarrie attend the Abu Dhabi Red Carpet and Premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” presented by Paramount Pictures and Skydance at Emirates Palace Hotel on June 26, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
(Photo by Cedric Ribeiro/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Watch the two spots below.
The globetrotting to promote the film continued.
On July 2nd, the cast and filmmakers headed to the premiere in Australia.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: Tom Cruise attends a photocall in support of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on July 02, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Tom Cruise, Pom Klementieff and Christopher McQuarrie attend a photocall in support of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on July 02, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: Tom Cruise, Pom Klementieff, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg and Christopher McQuarrie attend a photocall in support of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on July 02, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Currently, the Mission series has grossed over $3.5 billion worldwide.
It’s hard to overstate the impact that Cruise’s Mission: Impossible franchise has had on action cinema over the decades, and how it has itself grown exponentially over the same period. “Mission had done a train sequence before, all the way back in the first film and a lot of that had been done on a stage. We wanted to do one that was practical. We wanted to build upon what was learned on that sequence and apply all of that knowledge to something practical and real,” McQuarrie says, speaking about one of the film’s many jaw-dropping action sequences, in which he and Cruise drive a real steam train off a blown-up bridge (more on that later). Over six installments and 27 years of the Mission: Impossible franchise, the character of Ethan Hunt has earned his place as one of Cruise’s most indelible creations. And, in Dead Reckoning Parts One and Two, the elite agent will be tested more than ever.
The filmmakers are not only delighted with what their approach has yielded thus far, but also thrilled with what they have yet to reveal. “In the next one, you will feel the world constantly expanding and you’ll go to places the franchise has never been. You’ll see parts of the world that you’ve never seen this way. And, frankly, some of them won’t exist for much longer,” McQuarrie says. “We have really, truly, taken this story to the edge of the world.”
Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie on the set of Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
If neither Cruise nor McQuarrie is yet prepared to reveal what ground-breaking stunt Cruise is preparing to pull off for audiences in the next movie, McQuarrie will at least confirm this: “The bike jump [in Dead Reckoning Part One] was far and away the most dangerous thing we had ever attempted. The only thing that scared me more than that stunt was what we had planned for Part Two.”
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
For now, though, what both men want is for audiences around the world to get ready to immerse themselves in a jaw-dropping story that they say makes this Mission: Impossible the most exhilarating, ambitious, and emotional installment so far. “I always knew there were things we could do better,” Cruise says of his near-three decade Mission journey. “There are always mountains to climb. But I really do believe that this movie is Mission in its highest gear. No one can be tougher on me than me. I have always set the bar high for myself and always expect a lot from myself. I never want to rest on any laurels in seeing how I can serve the audience.”
Cruise smiles, excited by what that audience is about to see, and by what he knows is coming next. “If I could be on a movie set every single day of my life, I would,” he says. “I am always pushing myself. I can’t help it, it’s in my nature.”
Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Henry Czerny, Rob Delaney, Lincoln Conway, Indira Varma, Cary Elwes, Mark Gatiss and Charles Parnell in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Rebecca Ferguson in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Pom Klementieff in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Esai Morales and Pom Klementieff in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Frederick Schmidt and Vanessa Kirby in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Shea Whigham in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie on the set of Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Rebecca Ferguson and Christopher McQuarrie on the set of Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie on the set of Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, based on the Television Series Created by Bruce Geller, the film also features Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt, Cary Elwes, Mark Gatiss, Indira Varma, Rob Delaney.
Paramount Pictures has released a look behind the scenes of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE.
The studio has also announced a Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Early Access Fan Event to celebrate the theatrical release of the film opening nationwide exclusively in theatres. The Early Access Fan Event will include one show on July 10th at 7:00PM local time at participating theatres across the country, in advance of the film’s nationwide debut on July 12th. The show will be presented in an array of premium theatrical formats including Dolby Cinema and IMAX.
Check out this feature where Tom Cruise drives and drifts one-handed through the streets of Rome.
In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, starring and produced by Tom Cruise and once again written, directed, and produced by Christopher McQuarrie, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.
Tickets for the Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Early Access Fan Event and general Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One tickets are on sale today. To purchase tickets for the Early Access Fan Event Screening and for participating theatre listings in your area, go to missionimpossible.com/earlyaccess.
General tickets are also on sale at missionimpossible.com. Tickets for all shows also on sale at exhibitors’ websites & mobile apps and at participating theatre box offices nationwide.
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Ticketholders seeing Mission: Impossible –Dead Reckoning Part Oneat this advance Early Access Fan Event screening will also see special bonus content curated for this event, plus will receive limited-edition collectibles including a collector’s print and IMF enamel pin given away at their local theatre on the date of the event, while supplies last.
Says Paramount Pictures President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson, “Five years after the release of Mission: Impossible—Fallout, fans everywhere have been patiently awaiting this seventh installment and we’re thrilled to be able to show audiences the most daring and action-packed mission yet. It’s a film that demands to be seen on the big screen and we’re excited to showcase it in premium formats featuring the most dynamic picture and immersive sound in advance of its release.”
Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and Rebecca Ferguson in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE IS ONLY IN THEATRES, DOLBY CINEMA, PREMIUM LARGE FORMATS, AND IMAX ON JULY 12, 2023.
“If anything happens to them… there’s no place I won’t go to kill you. THAT is written.”
Oh man, Tom Cruise is the absolute best (and total badass) when he gets that look in his eye.
Check it out for yourselves in the first spectacular trailer for MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE, from director Christopher McQuarrie.
This trailer is INSANE and holy crap! that death-defying stunt Cruise does with the motorcycle off the cliff will be worth the ticket price alone!
In case you missed the behind-the-scenes video on that incredible jump, check it out below.
In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.
Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
The film also stars Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt, Cary Elwes, Mark Gatiss, Indira Varma, Rob Delaney.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE is written by Christopher McQuarrie & Erik Jendresen and based on the Television Series Created by Bruce Geller. The score is from composer Lorne Balfe (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT, BLACK ADAM, DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES, and Apple TV’s GHOSTED and TETRIS.
Produced by Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE is only in theaters, Dolby Cinema, Premium Large Format, and IMAX on July 12, 2023.
Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and Rebecca Ferguson in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.Tom Cruise and Rebecca Ferguson in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Paramount+ announced in November the #1 film of 2022, TOP GUN: MAVERICK, will be available to stream globally on the service beginning Thursday, Dec. 22 in the U.S.
The actor thanked fans in the only way this mega-star can and it’s spectacular!
Tom Cruise’s next mission could make history. If the plans for an upcoming film come through, he would fly to space to film the moment where he helps save the planet.
Donna Langley, chairman of Universal Film Entertainment Group, told the BBC in an interview last week that the 60-year-old “Mission Impossible” and “Top Gun” actor will be “taking the world to space.”
“That’s the plan. We have a great project in development with Tom that does contemplate him doing just that,” she said, “taking a rocket up to the space station and shooting and hopefully being the first civilian to do a spacewalk outside of the space station.”
Before this happens, the Oscar-nominated actor will perform the biggest stunt in cinema history in director Christopher McQuarrie’s MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE– in theaters JULY 14, 2023. Check out this new Extended Behind-the-Scenes look at the film.
DEAD RECKONING PART ONE stars Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Frederick Schmidt, Charles Parnell, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss.
From Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group, check out the brand new trailer for SCREAM VI.
Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter.
In Scream VI, Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”), Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Mindy Meeks-Martin”), Mason Gooding (“Chad Meeks-Martin”), Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), Hayden Panettiere (“Kirby Reed”) and Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.
SCREAM was theatrically released in the United States on January 14, 2022, by Paramount Pictures, grossing $140 million worldwide. Brian Tyler, who scored the soundtrack for the film, previously worked with Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett on READY OR NOT, and replaced Marco Beltrami, who composed the score for the previous four films.
Next year Tom Cruise returns as Impossible Missions Force (IMF) team leader Ethan Hunt in the long awaited next chapter in the successful franchise, with Christopher McQuarrie returning to the helm.
The cast includes Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss, Charles Parnell, Greg Tarzan Davis, Frederick Schmidt.
Check out this first look at MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE.
Cruise, who launched the franchise in 1996, is truly an entertainer who wants to give audiences a film more thrilling and intense than its predecessor. This is the third film in the series that Cruise and McQuarrie have collaborated on following MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION (2015), MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT (2018) and now MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. McQuarrie, an Oscar winner for his screenplay for The Usual Suspects, and Cruise previously teamed up for the 2012 film JACK REACHER.
Fans of the popular franchise will be glad to see the return on Ving Rhames, who has played the character of Luther Stickell since the first Mission: Impossible film in 1996, as well as Benji Dunn, played by actor, comedian and filmmaker Simon Pegg.
Over the past two decades, Tom Cruise has produced, starred in and performed in the most mind-blowing stunts in the Mission: Impossiblefilms, a global cultural phenomenon that has grossed more than $2.8 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful franchises in movie history. With TOP GUN: MAVERICK opening this weekend, both films solidify Tom Cruise’s status as the biggest movie star on the planet.
Based on the TV series by Bruce Geller, the seventh MI film is set to hit theaters on July 14, 2023.
The things we do for family. While men and women joyfully head into a new life together after marriage, sometimes that new life isn’t so apparent because of the truth hidden at the altar. Wealth, tradition, deceit, and terrible in-laws are the players in this dark satire that doesn’t so much push the envelope as it does push a self-aggrandizing message.
READY OR NOT follows a young bride (Samara Weaving) as she joins her new husband’s (Mark O’Brien) rich, eccentric family (Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell) in a time-honored tradition: a lethal game of “Hide & Seek.” In this version of the game, the bride is the one being hunted, having to prove her worth and entry into the family while the others hunt her down with rifles, crossbows, and antique pistols. To the family’s surprise, as dawn draws closer, soon everyone is fighting for their survival.
Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett play their cards a little early and don’t have that exciting of a hand at that. Guy Busick & Ryan Murphy’s script is quick to get into the game, failing to create any preliminary sense of intrigue or suspense around the family. The script and the directing seem to be a little at odds with each other, each making a move in a different direction. The tone and style tend to lean too serious while the script often goes towards more silly and physical comedy. Many scenes fail to find the right balance – the dark humor lacks bite and wit with the horror elements that aren’t as thrilling as they should be. READY OR NOT may not be very clever, but it delivers a Grand-Guignol finale that horror fans will relish.
Thankfully, Samara Weaving as our blood-splattered bride more than makes up for the film’s shortcomings. Her ability to transform from the terrified hunted to embracing the sinister game with a sly smirk makes her physical performance equally charming as it is twisted. One scene, in particular, involving a bullet-wound that comes in handy will make audiences both squirm and howl at her expense. Who is just as stellar is Adam Brody and his pitch-perfect deadpan delivery. His appearance in horror-comedies like this and JENNIFER’S BODY should have every horror producer chomping at the bit to include him.
In the end, READY OR NOT is a polished and moderately fun game that’s worth playing, despite its uneven and unclever approach to the conceit. The film not so subtly shines a critical light on the ridiculousness of the wealthy and the pointlessness of the ritual of marriage, but even its pointed messaging seems like a dull blade in a story that often feels routine despite bodies and blood painting the walls.
