Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning

[d.anders]

I saw it at Lincoln Square IMAX the other day. I need to have my head examined. I haven't been to an IMAX viewing for several years.

I got there 15 minutes before start time, and the theater was near empty. I knew it was sold-out online, so I thought that was weird. Up until start time they now play endless TV commercials, mostly selling prescription drugs. I think those commercials should be outlawed from TV, so I was not happy to find them in the movie theater. I'd rather be water-boarded.

Then they hit you with 25 minutes of new movie previews, and they crank up the sound to ungodly decibels. By the time the film actually started, my ears were throbbing in pain. These sound systems are not safe for a man my age. No one arrives before start time anymore, at least no one with half a brain. But then we're left with hundreds of people trying to cross over you in the dark. None of this, and I mean none if it is enjoyable, let alone worth the price of admission.

The movie is almost 3 hours. It goes on and on forever. I thought the story had jumped the shark long ago, but Tom Cruise is committed to the best technology, and there seems to be no stunt he won't do. The stunts in this film are no exception. Tom Cruise is insane.

They brought the story full circle, referring to and featuring characters from as far back as the original film. That was fun.

Unfortunately, the story is preposterous. Absolutely preposterous. It is amazing anyone can take this material seriously. The film has a crew of hundreds, if not a thousand. It delivers on masterful stunt work.

It was interesting that Cruise did a lengthy underwear scene. He begins on the treadmill and ends up in a fight. The underwear is black, and they were very careful to not show any package. Given the length and action of the scene, the absence of package was quite noticeable. 

For a 60+ body, he's quite fit, but his pecs have dropped significantly. However, it is remarkable that he is capable of doing what he does in these films. I wonder how much pain killer he relies on.

[+ ApexNomad]

2 hours ago, d.anders said:

Then they hit you with 25 minutes of new movie previews, and they crank up the sound to ungodly decibels

You’re seeing mission impossible on the big screen - in IMAX no less!  I would expect it to be ear shattering. Maybe this should have been an at-home viewing experience? 

[d.anders]

13 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Maybe this should have been an at-home viewing experience?

It will be eventually. I need close-captioning to understand what they are saying. So many missed words.

At this year's Oscars, there was sincere request to support the theater-going experience. So many theaters were hurt or destroyed by Covid. So I thought I would do my part. I used to enjoy the IMAX experience, but I see now how challenging it has become for me.

[+ ApexNomad]

44 minutes ago, d.anders said:

It will be eventually. I need close-captioning to understand what they are saying. So many missed words.

At this year's Oscars, there was sincere request to support the theater-going experience. So many theaters were hurt or destroyed by Covid. So I thought I would do my part. I used to enjoy the IMAX experience, but I see now how challenging it has become for me.

Maybe the Paris or the Angelika to support the theater-going experience, instead of IMAX at Lincoln Center?

[d.anders]

1 hour ago, ApexNomad said:

Maybe the Paris or the Angelika to support the theater-going experience, instead of IMAX at Lincoln Center?

Final Reckoning was shot with IMAX cameras. I don't go to movies often enough to please everyone.

[+ ApexNomad]

6 hours ago, d.anders said:

Final Reckoning was shot with IMAX cameras. I don't go to movies often enough to please everyone.

IMAX = loud