Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One IMAX Review

It's been rumored that Dead Reckoning Part One and Two are to act as a sendoff for Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt character. If that's actually the case, this first section sets up some diabolical narratives that will be featured in its direct sequel. But then again, if these films keep making upwards of one billion dollars at the box office, then why would Cruise retire his character? Maybe he'll pass the torch so he won't have to do all the insane stuntwork himself as he grows older (he's 61 now). Whatever the case might be, it's obvious that Cruise loves playing Ethan Hunt and continues to push the bounds of this character's emotional wheelhouse along with performing some of the greatest stunts ever committed to cinema. 

Director Christopher McQuarrie stands side-by-side with Cruise once again in Dead Reckoning. This dynamic duo has been paired up since Valkyrie and hasn't looked back since. Their work on the Jack Reacher films and Mission Impossible has proved to be a great success. The one odd anomaly this time around is bringing in writer Erik Jendresen to co-write the screenplay. Jendresen hasn't worked on any Tom Cruise auctioneers but did pen the hilarious horror movie Otis along with the WWII series Band of Brothers. Those two items are the only recognizable productions of note, which might explain the wacky, goofball dialogue throughout Dead Reckoning Part One. But in reality, most movie-goers aren't sitting in a theater chair paying attention to the award-worthy dialogue and poignant impressions from a Mission Impossible movie. It's all about seeing Tom Cruise run at full speed, jumping off some mountain, and landing safely to give some villain the sweet chin music at the end of the day. And that is exactly what Dead Reckoning Part One delivers. 

This seventh installment brings back an old familiar face to the mix which causes Ethan Hunt and his elite posse to question everything. Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames) are still perfect in helping Hunt achieve his stellar track record but are thrown off their usual track when the new villain of the franchise shows itself. This new threat is simply called the Entity and is an artificial intelligence virus that can seemingly do anything in real time, including taking out satellites, and computers, and causing global nuclear wars at any given moment. In a fresh effort to keep the franchise on its toes, this forces the team to go full analog by using their wits and strength to save the day. 

The flaws in the movie are mostly laid upon the dialogue which consists of many opportunities for a sketch parody at some point down the road. There are numerous times when characters are playing it seriously by relaying exactly what technology is at play and what the mission parameters are supposed to be by using big technical jargon wording. This is always followed by another character reciting the same basic principle but in Lamen's terms, which is so silly, that audiences won't be able to help themselves but laugh out loud and groan. But again, it's all about the big action set pieces here, which fully deliver. 

From the high-octane and somewhat comical car chases to the impressive and highly suspenseful train climax that has Cruise performing that one-big stunt per movie - Dead Reckoning delivers these moments ten-fold. Those fun masked reveals are present as are some decent emotional beats with some returning characters. The movie was shot during the height of the pandemic, so there are some moments that feel out-of-place visually and not as cinematic as they could be, mainly during the sequences where cast members are exchanging dialogue. But the action-packed sequences are top-notch and are quite memorable, specifically that amazing train sequence that keeps everything on edge. 

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is being released in just about every theater across the world. The film will be available to watch in standard theaters or if one is so lucky, a choice of IMAX or Dolby Cinema enhanced theaters. What is the difference here? This film was shot on the Sony CineAlta Venice IMAX cameras, which means it was specifically made for IMAX theaters, or at least the big action set pieces were. That full scope from top to bottom in crystal clear clarity is something special to witness, especially during the incredible train sequence that allows for every type of visual imagination. It's an immersive experience when Cruise jumps off a mountain and lands on a train, along with some of those winding, narrow streets during the car chase. Movies like this are made to be seen on the biggest screen possible and IMAX delivers that option with perfection here. 

The amazing DTS-X technology utilized in the IMAX theater for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is loud and sonically booming. Bullets, explosions, and even swift punches pack a hefty low end of bass that rumbles the seats. The surrounding activity is in a constant state of play, no matter if the characters are at an airport, out in the hot desert, or even on a packed train car. These sound effects are lively and flow fluidly through each speaker. While there might not be the number of speakers that a Dolby Atmos setup allows, this DTS-X option is pitch-perfect. The mixing of dialogue with sound effects, ambient noises in the background, and even that iconic score cue turn up the intensity that goes perfectly with the IMAX visuals. 

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is a great addition to the franchise and if this is the beginning of the end of Ethan Hunt, then this serves as a wonderful launching point to end his run. This is what summer blockbusters are all about - fast-moving trains, epic fight scenes, Tom Cruise running fast, and major explosions. What more could anyone ask for in a summer action vehicle? Highly Recommended!