Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Christopher McQuarrie crafts a delirious thrill-ride with intricate action, villainous AI and thoughtful reinvention; Tom Cruise scales new heights of movie heroism. The reviewer singles out the mad, semi-abstract car chase in Rome and the film's imaginative discipline and call-backs to silent cinema for particular praise.

There are more than enough high-octane stunts and anxiety-inducing moments to set pulses racing, and the film offers a satisfying narrative arc while teeing up its successor. The set pieces are thrilling and Cruise’s death-defying exploits breathtaking, making it the epitome of popcorn cinema despite minor narrative lulls.

The review highlights how the film escalates the franchise's practical action spectacle and commentary on algorithms while reaffirming its unique place among blockbusters, even if it doesn't quite top Fallout.

The film is ludicrously entertaining and a gleaming advertisement for Hollywood itself, with fluid, satisfying action sequences that build to a triumphantly visceral runaway-train climax. McQuarrie’s writing compensates for any lack of sheer visual verve while Cruise once again shoulders the weight of the movies.

While the film occasionally feels lumbering or unwieldy next to the franchise's high standards, it still delivers spectacular set-pieces and a satisfying narrative pause before the conclusion.

The critic calls the film a familiar magic trick executed to perfection, praising its astonishing action sequences and spectacle while noting some overdone exposition about the AI villain.

The review criticizes the deadening setup and overabundance of plot mechanics but singles out the killer action set pieces and caper comedy for soaring entertainment value.

It is formulaic fun but a strangely flat experience with diminishing returns amid ambitious action; the plot carries little emotional weight and feels overly contrived. The chemistry between Cruise, Ferguson and Atwell makes it click, and there are staggering set-pieces like the Rome car chase.

The critic praises the deep creative partnership between Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, highlighting the film's tactile, propulsive action sequences and the way it keeps the long-running saga thrilling and entertaining.

Brimming with confidence and swaggering showmanship, it further cements the series as a consistently dazzling action franchise with gripping thriller elements, spectacular set pieces and nuanced emotional shading. Atwell and Morales make strong additions, and Cruise’s Ethan shows subtle vulnerability.

The film demonstrates Tom Cruise’s determination to defy the ravages of time with a slick, stylised instalment that reliably puts its money on the screen. It favours cool-tempered kineticism and baroque set pieces while finding new ways to up the ante in the franchise.

This is the Tom Cruisiest Mission: Impossible film yet, with Cruise's incredible stunts and the franchise's stamina and brio keeping it fresh seven films in. The reviewer singles out the legendary motorcycle cliff jump and other tremendous set pieces for praise while noting the silly-serious tone and ongoing vitality of the series.

The critic praises the film's breathless, high-octane stunt sequences and action set pieces but notes that the convoluted story takes a backseat and feels overly complicated compared to earlier entries.

The film is a spirit-crushing mess assembled from half-completed rushes, with a poor script, slipshod story and action scenes that suffer from structural problems and feel random or context-free. The reviewer complains about the overall incoherence despite glimpses of what the stunts might have achieved in a better film.

The critic finds the film a strong, timely entry that pairs breaking-news AI intrigue with increasingly elaborate practical action set pieces. McQuarrie delivers hall-of-fame stunts while tying storylines back into the franchise mythology, even if it does not quite top Fallout.

The critic calls the film a masterful, twisting, often breathtaking action thriller that never lets up, with genuine character moments and practical stunts adding to its entertainment value. They single out the insanely choreographed action sequences and the strong chemistry between Cruise and Hayley Atwell for particular praise.

The critic hails the film as a masterpiece of action filmmaking and an unassailable high point in the franchise. They single out the precise, careful handling of emotional stakes around loss and choice alongside the breathtaking stunt sequences.

The film is plenty of fun and one of the best action movies of the summer, but feels like a bit of a disappointment after Fallout and the series' high bar. The critic singles out the consistently exhilarating action sequences for praise while noting franchise bloat, over-explanation, and an underwhelming villain.

The critic calls the film exceptional and a top-tier action picture that ramps up excitement and impressiveness to new levels. The creative team tops previous entries with inventive spectacle and strong performances led by Cruise.

The critic praises the breathtaking stunts and set pieces as highlights of a top-shelf Tom Cruise sequel. McQuarrie’s direction keeps the film light on its feet while delivering crowd-pleasing action elevated by strong sound design.