Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One has a long name, long runtime, and long action sequences.

Christopher McQuarrie has directed Tom Cruise in 4 out of his 5 directorial movies, the first being Jack Reacher. He has much more impressive writing credentials. But to talk about the direction of the movie, he knows how to direct action and chase scenes but when it comes to dialogue there were some issues I had with camera angles. I totally forgot that McQuarrie had written The Usual Suspects, which can explain some of the dialogue choices in this film. He knows how to write so that the audience remembers the characters' names, unlike Tony Gilroy. There's no connection there I just think that's one of my major criticisms of Gilroy.

Tom Cruise looks like he's forty years old, but is actually sixty at the time of release. He has some great two-liners which seem to be more of his go-to, not only for adding emotions but for the trailer purpose. There are a few moments where it is not what he says but emotes that matter. It really shows his dedication to this character and role.

Peggy Carter, I mean, Hayley Atwell plays Grace in this film. A new character and a pickpocket. She really shines here compared to her other blockbuster movies as Carter wasn't given enough space to shine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here she shows vulnerability, independence, cunning, and realism in her character. She's not a super-spy like Ethan and she reminds us many times.

Rebecca Furguson is such a good actress and has a face that fits the Mission Impossible series of films. I look forward to seeing her Dune Part 2. The series has this thing where the good people have brown hair and the villains have blonde or white hair. Both Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, and Esai Morales are examples of this.

Vanessa Kirby might be the prettiest person working in Hollywood.

Pom Klementieff is very much a femme fatal. She looks, acts, and delivers a very convincing character. She's a bit crazy at times but she makes up for it later with her calm and killer attitude. Many people probably know her as Mantis from the MCU and I used to confuse her with Hana Mae Lee but Pom is a much better Actress.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is the best in the franchise so far and the hype for Part Two is real. The film gets an A-.

Comments

The Running Man (2025)

The Running Man (2025) is directed by Edgar Wright , known for Baby Driver and Hot Fuzz , but this remake lacks the trademark charm, rhythm, and comedic punch that define his best work. The film feels noticeably muted, almost as if Wright was creatively restrained or intentionally holding back, resulting in a tone that is far more conventional than expected from him. The visual flair is still present, but the energy is dialed down and the humor is sparse, creating an experience that feels competent yet oddly subdued. Glen Powell , known for Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You , leads the film well and brings his usual charisma to the role. He emotes effectively and fully commits to the character, but the makeup choices surrounding him occasionally distract and left me wondering what the creative team was trying to convey. Still, Powell carries the emotional beats and remains one of the film's strongest assets. Josh Brolin , from No Country for Old Men and Dune , steps comfor...

Frankenstein (2025)

Frankenstein (2025) is directed by Guillermo del Toro , the visionary filmmaker behind Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water . His style once again blends gothic beauty with emotional storytelling, and his long-awaited take on Frankenstein is everything you’d expect: tragic, poetic, and visually stunning. Del Toro’s passion for monsters and misunderstood souls shines through every frame, making this adaptation both faithful and deeply personal. Oscar Isaac , known for Ex Machina and Dune , gives a grounded and believable performance as the tormented Dr. Frankenstein. He captures the obsession and guilt of a man who has gone too far, balancing intellect with a quiet madness that feels earned rather than exaggerated. Mia Goth , who has proven herself in Pearl and Infinity Pool , continues her run as one of the most mesmerizing modern actors. Her ethereal presence fits perfectly within Del Toro’s world, and she brings depth and vulnerability to a role that could have easily been o...

Christy (2025)

Christy (2025) is directed by David Michôd , known for The King and Animal Kingdom , and written by Mirrah Foulkes , who penned Judy & Punch . While both bring a grounded and deliberate tone to the film, there’s something missing in the pacing and camera. The direction is competent but occasionally flat, leaving certain moments feeling less impactful than they should. Still, the story holds strong thanks to the performances. Sydney Sweeney , known for Euphoria, Anyone But You, and Madame Web , delivers one of her most mature and layered performances to date. She brings intensity, fragility, and conviction to the title role, proving she’s more than capable of carrying a serious dramatic film. Her emotional control and subtlety make the story believable, even when the writing wavers. Ben Foster , whose work in Hell or High Water and Pandorum has always stood out, once again shows why he’s one of the most underrated actors working today. His character is despicable, ye...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog