NEW YORK, NY – by Markos Papadatos
[Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder, Paramount Pictures]
Tom Cruise opened up about his new film “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” his BFI Fellowship, and his love for Greece.
New film ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’
On the filming experience, Cruise said, “The things we do… There is never an easy day on ‘Mission: Impossible.’ I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“This new movie is a gargantuan accomplishment,” Cruise said. “It’s a culmination of everything, and I mean everything, that me and Christopher McQuarrie (who has now directed its last four installments) have learned in storytelling over the course of making these movies. The ‘Final Reckoning’ is very elegant, very layered and incredibly epic. And we’ve only been able to achieve what we have because of all the things that we’ve done in this series so far.”
“That whole period was wild,” Cruise said about filming two big movies at time same time. “I remember doing my first test on the aerial sequence in The Final Reckoning in South Africa when we hadn’t yet finished Dead Reckoning. From a producorial, directorial and story standpoint, it was very challenging. But it is what it is. You just do it. We still had to deliver.”
Filming the aerial sequence in ‘The Final Reckoning’
“We didn’t know until we got to South Africa what was going to work and what was not going to work with the aerial sequence in The Final Reckoning because we didn’t know all the limitations at that point,” he explained.
“We weren’t allowed to do a lot of testing of the wing walking in Europe. We had to get the airplanes over there,” Cruise noted.
“Luckily, I fly these airplanes. I know them,” Cruise said. “So, I knew their limitations. Which meant it was about how we moved through those limitations. Then it was about how I physically prepared. I did heavy, heavy weights for this movie, and very different nutrition. After that, you just get out there.”
BFI Fellowship
On receiving the BFI Fellowship, Cruise remarked, “The beauty of this artform is a collaboration and it tests everything we are as artists, as human beings. When we finish a film it’s never goodbye, we’ll see you again soon, so it’s been absolutely extraordinary for me to receive this BFI Fellowship, it’s been an extraordinary evening and I’m very grateful that you are all here.”
“We’ve had one great adventure after another the next,” he admitted. “I’ve loved every second, it’s an absolute privilege to be on set – people say why don’t you take a vacation but why would I take a vacation from something I absolutely love to do. This is the most fun ever. Thank you Chris [McQuarrie] for always trying to kill me, somehow we figure something out, no matter how hard you try.
“Ben Roberts, you were an usher in movie theatres, Chris you were a security guard in movie theatres, and I just snuck into them. The thing is we love being in movies, with an audience with popcorn, it’s just magnificent,” he noted.
“We know how magical that is. Thank you to the BFI, you’ve worked so hard to support our industry throughout, we are all holding hands together to keep this going, to educate the next generation as best we can, and I look forward to all the films they’re going to make,” he elaborated.
Message for his fans about the new film
“I don’t want to tell the audience how to feel, what they’re going to walk away with [after watching this]. Even I, as an audience member, like to experience things for myself. For me, as a storyteller, that communication with the audience is critically important.”
“I want them to have their experience. My films are on the whole films you have to participate with, cinema that I want the audience engaged in, not just sitting back. One of our favorite lines in these movies is always when someone says to us, ‘I bought the whole seat, and I only used the edge.’ That is what I want.”
“That’s how I feel as an audience member when I’m engaged in a story. And on this one, we have achieved that,” he acknowledged.
New York premiere at Lincoln Center Plaza
The New York premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” took place on Sunday, May 18th.”I am so proud of this incredible cast and crew and am grateful to have been able to celebrate this franchise alongside them and audiences around the world. New York City, we thank you for the energy and passion you showed us at last night’s premiere. A truly remarkable evening,” Cruise expressed.
Greece
Cruise revealed that he has a love and affinity for Greece. “I love Greece; It has great people and great food,” he exclaimed.
Closing thoughts on the new ‘Mission Impossible’ film
For fans and viewers, Cruise concluded, “‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ is a story built for the big screen. Thank you for allowing us to share that experience with you all. We made this film for you.”
‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Movie Review
By: Markos Papadatos
Tom Cruise is back for his final mission in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” which was officially released on Friday, May 23rd via Paramount Pictures.
The synopsis is: Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”
Aside from Cruise, the all-star cast features Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Tramell Tillman and Angela Bassett, among others.
Academy Award winner Christopher McQuarrie directed the movie from a script that he co-wrote with Erik Jendresen.
Hayley Atwell returns as an effervescent Grace, while Ving Rhames pulls off some emotional scenes as Luther opposite Cruise’s Ethan. Pom Klementieff is bold and badass as Paris.
Simon Pegg is back as the knowledgeable IMF technical field agent Benji Dunn.
Esai Morales makes bad look so good as the villainous Gabriel; he layers his emotions well in a controlled and dynamic acting performance that will certainly chill and thrill the audience; moreover, Morales and Cruise have one hot pursuit scene that fans and viewers will not want to miss (that is somewhat reminiscent of “Top Gun: Maverick”).
Angela Bassett is commanding as Erika Sloane, the former pragmatic CIA director who is now Madam President. Without giving too much away, Bassett is involved in a scene-stealing scene that will shake things up in the climax of this story for all involved.
Rolf Saxon is a revelation as William Donloe. Janet McTeer and Hannah Waddingham also makes memorable cameos as Walters and Admiral Neely respectively.
In fact, everybody in this versatile and gifted cast is able to bring something unique and refreshing to this action film.
“Cobra Kai” actor Jesse Kove remarked, “My hat goes off to Tom Cruise and the entire team. This movie is an adrenaline-fueled masterclass in action and filmmaking! Nonstop thrills, jaw-dropping moments, and pure cinematic magic.”
“This is why we go to the movies! This is why we love Tom Cruise,” Kove exclaimed.
“Tom Cruise has done it again and in grand style for his final impossible mission. The movie had a great storyline and a good supporting cast. The movie was almost three hours and I was engaged the entire time, especially the final 20 minutes. The iconic sequel didn’t fail to impress for its finale to say the least,” Louis Tiglias said, fan and attendee.
Conclusion
In summation, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is a vivacious, high-adrenaline, wild, pulse-pounding, and bumpy adventure. Tom Cruise and the cast will sustain the audience’s attention for its entire lengthy duration.
Co-writer and filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie deserves to be commended for bringing their joint vision to life one more time.
Tom Cruise is very convincing in this role, once again, and the stunts alone were spectacular (albeit a bit overdone at times). As the final installment in this franchise, it certainly ends with a bang. It garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Bravo.
