"Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" arrives with the weight of concluding Ethan Hunt's saga, delivering thrilling action sequences but stumbling under the pressure of its own ambition. While Tom Cruise continues to defy gravity and logic, the film grapples with an overly serious tone and a convoluted plot that occasionally overshadows the series' trademark fun.

The film's strengths lie in its spectacular set pieces. Cruise and his team of stunt choreographers deliver breathtaking sequences, including a standout underwater scene and a fantastic flight chase. The action is predictably excellent, with Ethan Hunt's infiltration of the Sevastapole being a highlight. The set design is impressive, and the fight choreography is elevated, featuring more brutal combatants. These moments offer the exhilarating thrills that fans have come to expect.

However, "The Final Reckoning" suffers from an unwieldy and clunky first hour, feeling like an extended "Previously On" segment. The film takes itself too seriously, losing the cheeky ingredient that made the franchise memorable. The dialogue is often melodramatic, with characters whispering their way through soap opera levels of tension. The plot, which involves stopping Gabriel and "The Entity" from destroying mankind, is relatively shallow for a movie that runs nearly three hours.

One of the film's biggest issues is its absurdly astronomical stakes. While previous "Mission: Impossible" films dealt with relatable threats, "The Final Reckoning" tries to tackle the end of all life on the planet, which is difficult to plausibly grasp. The movie's determination to tie every piece of the last 30 years' worth of missions into one neat bow feels forced and unnecessary.

Despite its flaws, "The Final Reckoning" manages to recover in its second half, delivering the over-the-top thrills that fans have come to expect. The climax gives every team member a job, reminiscent of "Fallout," highlighting the importance of Ethan's trust in his team. The film also features clever moments, such as the aspect ratio expanding during a submarine scene, showcasing Cruise's control over the cinematic experience.

Ultimately, "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" is a mixed bag. It offers thrilling action and impressive stunts but is weighed down by its somber tone, convoluted plot, and excessive exposition. While it may not reach the vertiginous peaks of the series at its finest, it still provides enough entertainment to satisfy fans of the franchise. Whether it serves as a worthy send-off for Ethan Hunt remains a matter of personal opinion, but it leaves the door open for more impossible missions in the future.