Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Discussion with Ben Miller
This week on The Austin B Media Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Miller—film critic, podcaster, and the voice behind Ice Cream for Freaks—for a no-holds-barred discussion of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
What's The Movie About?
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning sees Ethan Hunt and his team racing against time and a rogue AI known as the Entity. With global nuclear stakes, old faces returning, and the fate of the franchise on the line, this installment delivers high-octane action and emotional farewells.
Where to Watch Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
You can watch Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning in theaters now.
Listen to the podcast here!
We start with a lighthearted story about a theater marquee’s creative spelling of “Reckoning,” then dive into what makes this franchise tick after nearly three decades. Ben and I share our expectations for the film, debate whether it sticks the landing as a franchise finale, and offer up some unique movie recommendations for your next watch.
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Listen or watch the full discussion below, and then read on for a summary of our thoughts.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome
00:55 – Funny Anecdote About the Movie Title
02:20 - Ben’s Recommendation: The Sheep Has Five Legs (1955)
04:48 - Austin’s Recommendation: Black Bag (2024)
07:38 – The Problem with Long Movie Titles
10:15 - What drew us to the Mission: Impossible series?
14:32 - Which Mission: Impossible film is our favorite?
19:49 – Expectations for The Final Reckoning
38:58 – Final (Non-Spoiler) Thoughts & Ratings
39:47 - Spoiler Warning!
41:51 – Critique of Character Deaths
45:10 – Character Inconsistencies
49:14 – Callbacks and Easter Eggs
51:17 – Tom Cruise’s Star Persona & Franchise Direction
57:04 – Plot and Villain Issues
1:09:55 – The Franchise’s Future
1:19:38 – Outro
1:21:08 – Where to Follow Ben
Have thoughts on the film or the episode?
Drop a comment below or join the conversation on social media!
Where to Find Our Recommendations
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Sheep Has Five Legs (French: Le Mouton à cinq pattes)
My Recommendation:
Black Bag is available to stream on Peacock (a Premium subscription is required).
Where to Follow Me
Where to Follow Ben
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association
Until next time!
