Given that Mission Impossible is now releasing its seventh film and still being led by Tom Cruise – who is now 61 years old – most would think that it would start to lose steam or struggle to up the ante. After all, look at the Indiana Jones film we just got. However, Mission Impossible is truly better than ever as the first part of its two-part Dead Reckoning storyline raises the stakes, stunts, and style for an action-packed entry that’s endlessly enthralling and entertaining.

By this point, IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his small team have seen it all, but now face new threats as they embark on a new mission. After an AI known as The Entity is let loose and begins to show its destructive capabilities, everyone is left searching for a key that’ll supposedly allow them to control The Entity. With Ethan not wanting this power to fall into anyone’s hands, he and his team look to find the key for themselves to destroy The Entity – which makes them an enemy to virtually everyone. Now, Ethan not only faces new pursuers who wish to take him into custody, but also a mysterious assassin named Gabriel (Esai Morales) – who is working for The Entity and has unclear ties to Ethan’s past. With enemies around every corner, Ethan must survive this dangerous web of lies so that he can stop The Entity and make sure that this mission won’t be his last.

Now, there’s no denying that this film having an AI villain would make some roll their eyes and feel like it’s cashing in on a timely controversial social topic – which it kind of is. However, the way that The Entity is characterized is fantastic, and it’s a strong enough force in the film to make its presence more than just for pure relevancy. Right in the film’s opening sequence, viewers are left speechless from the deadly capabilities of this AI and its daunting presence and power only grows as the film goes on.

It’s a legitimate threat that can strike at unexpected times and genuinely change the course of the entire mission. The Entity is a real character in this story and it’s what makes its presence as a villain so memorable and meaningful. It’s truly this looming threat that characters and viewers always have to keep in the back of their minds and the way it sews distrust into Ethan’s entire mission creates this horrifying reality of not being able to trust anyone or anything they come across.

The Entity’s power and reach is a pivotal way that the film excellently raises its stakes and it’s backed by a great supporting villain in Gabriel. The growing mystery around Gabriel is so intriguing, and it’s great that the film never gives too much away about him. By the end of Part One there’s still so much to learn about him and his connection to Ethan, but there’s enough to get fans hooked on his character. His sense of all-knowingness is incredibly captivating largely thanks to Morales’ phenomenal performance. Every scene he’s in is full of palpable caution and mistrust that’s absolutely fun to see and heightens the tension perfectly. Gabriel is a huge part of what makes Dead Reckoning Part One a real nerve-shredder at times and director Christopher McQuarrie does an excellent job using the villains to create this effectively tense atmosphere that rarely lightens up.

Dead Reckoning Part One is probably McQuarrie’s best work in this franchise and his direction and vision in the action is just astonishing. The continual dedication to practical stunts is what sets this franchise apart and knowing that Cruise is still doing stunts as dangerous and wild as these at his age cements him as quite possibly the greatest actor in the action genre of all time. Seriously, this film doesn’t let off the gas for a second and delivers some captivating action that should only be seen in theaters to get the full experience.

There’s a car chase through Rome that’ll leave viewers on edge throughout and feels like a fast-paced rollercoaster ride. There are death-defying stunts that are completely gripping and force viewers to catch their breath. Even the finale sequence is just flawless and does a great job making viewers feel like death is around every corner for these characters. Environments are a key part to some of these action sequences being so tense and thrilling as well and it’s great that the settings feel just as important as the action within.

Cruise and McQuarrie deliver some sensational action that defines what a summer blockbuster is all about while still leading an entertaining story with some easy to love characters. Along with leading some stellar action, Cruise totally stuns as Ethan once again and this performance might elevate Ethan to be Cruise’s best character of all-time. With this film taking on a more comical tone than the last couple films, Cruise showcases Ethan’s charm and comedic wit perfectly while still elevating the tension through more serious tones. His interactions with other allies, like Benji (Simon Pegg), are hilarious at times and the film uses its comedy well for great banter and gags. Plus, Hayley Atwell is a fantastic addition to this cast as tricky thief Grace, and she absolutely holds her own to be one of the more charming and likeable characters of the film. The scenes between Atwell and Cruise are highly entertaining and the cat and mouse game they play throughout is endlessly enchanting because of their great performances.

What really makes Dead Reckoning Part One stand out as a Mission Impossible film though is the story and stakes it provides with its characters. Ethan and his team’s need to stop The Entity feel clear and easy to connect with making the rising tensions and stakes of this mission translate to viewers well. This feels like a chapter in Ethan’s franchise arc that matters more than any one before. Not just for what the world could lose if he fails, but also what he loses if he fails. There’s a turning point in the film where Ethan loses something close to him and his team causing him to truly go all-in on this mission.

Because of how invested and immersed viewers become in Ethan’s mission and perspective, they’ll feel right at home with the emotion and feelings felt in the latter half of the film. In general, Dead Reckoning Part One feels like a dramatic turning point for this franchise – which is what makes new and old characters colliding so impactful. Best of all, it isn’t tarnished by being only half of the complete story and features an ending that satisfyingly closes this chapter while hyping up the next one.

Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is truly the best of what this franchise offers – an engaging story with high stakes, jaw-dropping action that’s ambitious and unique, and great all-around performances that add to the light-hearted feel as well as the growing tension. Not only does it deliver another amazing entry in this iconic franchise that sets a new standard but kicks off a potentially game-changing two-part story that sees Ethan face his greatest challenges yet.

Watch the Trailer Here: