Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – Episode: ‘Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning’ Is Here. How Will We Reckon With It?
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins
Guests: Rotating cast including Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons
1. Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Big Picture, hosts Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins delve deep into the latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise—Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning. Released amidst a backdrop of personal anecdotes and recent sports events, the hosts set the stage for a comprehensive analysis of the film's strengths and shortcomings.
2. Overview of Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning
Sean and Amanda begin by outlining the premise of the movie, highlighting its significance as potentially the final chapter in Tom Cruise's iconic series. Sean mentions the high expectations tied to Christopher McQuarrie's direction and the return of familiar characters such as Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Halle Atwell, Ving Rhames, and Simon Pegg.
Sean Fennessy [24:03]: "When we last saw Ethan Hunt, he was on a...he had retained one half of the cruciform key."
3. Deep Dive into the Movie’s Plot and Set Pieces
The hosts dissect the film's intricate plot, which revolves around Ethan Hunt's mission to prevent a global nuclear holocaust orchestrated by an AI entity. They discuss key plot devices like the cruciform key and the "entity," drawing parallels to classic AI narratives such as Skynet from Terminator.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the movie's ambitious set pieces:
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Submarine Sequence: Sean praises the cinematography and the intense underwater scenes, though he notes its quiet, contemplative nature might divide audiences.
Sean Fennessy [36:04]: "I have no notes. He's in his 60s, it's fine."
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Biplane Finale: Both hosts express awe at the stunt work involved in the film's climax, acknowledging Tom Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts.
Amanda Dobbins [42:41]: "They just don't do it any other way."
4. Critique of the Movie's Structure and Pacing
Sean and Amanda critique the film's pacing, particularly the prolonged first act filled with exposition and flashbacks that revisit elements from previous installments. They argue that this approach hampers the movie's momentum and detracts from the high-octane action expected from the franchise.
Amanda Dobbins [25:19]: "Two hours of throat clearing, 35 minutes of exhilaration."
Sean likens the first hour to a "clip show," suggesting it feels disjointed and detracts from the overall cinematic experience.
5. Character Analysis and Performances
The hosts analyze character development, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses:
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Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise): Admired for his commitment to the role and performing his stunts, but some plot choices, like unrealistic aspects of his mission, receive criticism.
Sean Fennessy [40:26]: "This is a challenge of the movie because...it felt like watching a clip show of a sitcom."
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Supporting Characters: Emma Stone, Halle Atwell, and Tramell Tillman receive praise for their performances, though certain characters like Janet McTeague and Hannah Waddingham are noted for limited development.
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Villains: Amanda criticizes the portrayal of Gabriel (Esai Morales) as a "lunatic," questioning the depth and motivations behind the antagonist's actions.
Amanda Dobbins [43:05]: "That sucked."
6. Comparison to Previous Films in the Franchise
Sean and Amanda place The Final Reckoning within the broader context of the Mission: Impossible series, comparing its narrative structure, action sequences, and character arcs to earlier installments.
Sean Fennessy [84:06]: "Mission Impossible in 2 is still better than Final Reckoning."
They discuss how the latest film diverges from the franchise's winning formula by sacrificing humor and global espionage flair for a more self-serious and convoluted storyline.
7. Discussion on the Franchise’s Future
The conversation shifts to the potential continuation of the franchise. Sean expresses skepticism about future installments, dubbing The Final Reckoning as the second-worst in the series and pondering whether Tom Cruise will pass the baton or conclude his role as Ethan Hunt.
Amanda Dobbins [85:15]: "We think Final Reckoning goes to seven."
They acknowledge Cruise's strong association with the role, making it unlikely for the character to be handed over easily, despite mounting critiques.
8. Rankings of the Mission Impossible Films
Sean and Amanda conclude by ranking the Mission: Impossible movies based on their personal assessments:
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout
- Mission: Impossible – Original (1996)
- Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
- Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
- Mission: Impossible – Mission Impossible 3
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
- Mission: Impossible – Mission Impossible 2
They attribute the decline in quality to factors like poor pacing, lack of humor, and overcomplicated plot structures in the newer films.
9. Conclusion
Despite its flaws, Sean and Amanda acknowledge that Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning offers spectacular action sequences and remains entertaining for fans of the franchise. They encourage listeners to experience the film in IMAX for its visually stunning moments while expressing hope for a potential revival or conclusion that honors the series' legacy.
Sean Fennessy [91:36]: "It is fun. It is."
They wrap up the episode with teasers about upcoming topics, including the release of Lilo and Stitch and other film discussions slated for future episodes.
Notable Quotes:
- Sean Fennessy [25:17]: "Now, obviously interspersed in this there are fantastical Set pieces."
- Amanda Dobbins [38:27]: "And all these people are like, okay, so you just have to bomb everyone else and set up. Set off, like, hundreds or thousands of nuclear weapons and also sacrifice one American city?"
- Sean Fennessy [51:12]: "But he is just on the plane."
- Amanda Dobbins [77:30]: "I actually think that he will accept it with his team."
This detailed discussion provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, offering critical insights and thoughtful reflections on its place within a beloved franchise.