'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' Earns Mixed Reception Despite Cannes Ovation

Tom Cruise’s much-anticipated Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning may have received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, but early critical reactions suggest it falls short of being the franchise’s strongest entry.

“Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning might have gotten a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, but it seems that the film didn't quite hit the mark at Rotten Tomatoes.”

The latest installment, which is widely being considered the concluding chapter of the iconic action series, currently holds an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 136 reviews. This score places it in the middle of the pack, ranking fifth among the eight films released since the franchise’s inception in 1996.

“The film is the lowest-rated film from the franchise since 2006, trailing behind fan favourites like Fallout and Ghost Protocol.”

Still, the response has been broadly positive, with praise directed toward Cruise’s signature stunt work and the film’s gripping storyline. “The film, which is being considered as the last chapter of the global hit franchise, is getting a positive response, with people praising Tom for the stunts and the edge-of-your-seat plot.”

However, reactions remain divided on some aspects of the film’s tone and emotional impact. “Some people expressed mixed feelings towards the balance between nostalgia and the lack of closure.”

“The latest chapter seems far from being the Mission: Impossible franchise's strongest.” The film’s score sits below Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’s 94% but above Mission: Impossible III’s 71%, marking a noticeable dip compared to recent franchise highs.

To put it into perspective, Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) leads the critical rankings with a 98% score, followed by Dead Reckoning (2023) at 96%, Rogue Nation (2015) and Ghost Protocol (2011) at 94% each. Earlier entries, including the original 1996 film and its 2000 sequel, trail behind with 65% and 57%, respectively.

Tom Cruise returns once again as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, with longtime collaborator Christopher McQuarrie directing. “Christopher has directed every movie in the series since Rogue Nation.” Originally conceptualized as Dead Reckoning – Part One and Two, the two-part finale was retitled following the release of the seventh installment.

The ensemble cast features Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, Shea Whigham, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman, and Greg Tarzan Davis. Presented by Paramount Pictures and Skydance, the film is slated for release in Indian cinemas on May 17 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.