Mission: Impossible – The Final Calculation
Tom Cruise devotes roughly 30% of his epic final film to showcasing his physicality. It’s undeniably a long cinematic experience, filled with visuals that likely emphasize his physique—shiny and perhaps even in high-resolution IMAX, making it feel quite larger than life.
The film includes various memorable moments: Cruise’s character, engaging twice with the Cruise Buttons, enjoying the Arctic scenery, running on a treadmill, and even taking a lengthy shower in front of an impressively charismatic crew of U.S. submarines.
At 62, Cruise continues to be one of Hollywood’s most dedicated stars, known for his rigorous work ethic, elaborate stunts, and his approachable personality, evident in his habit of smiling for selfies and handing out treats.
Ultimately, his commitment to being the biggest movie star reflects not only his remarkable talent but also a unique brand of self-importance, which adds a layer of complexity to this cinematic journey.
This film feels like a testament to Tom Cruise, nearly three hours of people seeking his guidance as the plot unfolds. It opens with the notion that before saving humanity, it’s often up to him to take on the challenge.
His loyal team, while supportive, sometimes seems more like hangers-on rather than true collaborators. Occasionally, they do get their moments, like Simon Pegg’s topless scene. As for the antagonists? They come off as ambiguous figures like an evil AI or downtrodden American fugitives, highlighting their relatively laughable attempts to challenge Cruise’s character.
The main villain, Gabriel (played by Esai Morales) lacks a clear motive and comes off as forgettable, clashing with Cruise’s vibrant personality. It’s a pity the adversaries feel more like children in a playground than true threats, reducing the overall stakes in what should be high-impact adventures.
Nonetheless, the stunts are nothing short of spectacular. A high-octane sequence involving a deep-sea shipwreck is genuinely the heart of the film. The elaborate climax is a risk Cruise willingly takes, showcasing his seemingly superhuman abilities. As director Christopher McQuarrie mentioned, “No one else on earth could pull this off—except for Tom.”
In a surprisingly reflective moment, L. Ron Hubbard’s quote about looking youthful at 200 springs to mind. Just two years back, Cruise mentioned he aimed to remain active, eyeing longevity akin to Harrison Ford. It’s a lofty ambition, and for those eager to witness $400 million worth of filmmaking, this film certainly does the job.
Ultimately, there’s a hope that in two decades, Cruise might feel a bit more human. But then again, who knows if he’ll actually ever reach that age?
