Last night, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning premiered in Cannes to a five-minute standing ovation. But according to some attendees, a few audience members nearly nodded off during the screening.
The eighth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise earned its applause largely thanks to the jaw-dropping stunts performed once again by Tom Cruise himself. The premiere became a full-blown spectacle, complete with a live orchestra of 40 musicians playing the franchise’s iconic theme before the film began.
Audiences were thrilled by the visual effects, but the film’s lengthy runtime left some viewers exhausted, according to critics. During the final act—where Cruise pulls off stunts that border on life-threatening—some attendees reportedly struggled to stay awake. A few even left the Palais des Festivals mid-film, stifling yawns.
During the standing ovation, Cruise placed his hand over his heart and nodded in gratitude. He and director Christopher McQuarrie shared kisses and thanks with Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego-Saldana. Cameras captured the film’s full star-studded lineup, including Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett, and Hayley Atwell.
“Mission: Impossible 8” – Is It Worth Watching? First Reviews Are In
Early reviews for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning are out, and critics are largely impressed:
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Metacritic: 72 out of 100
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Rotten Tomatoes: A strong 89% positive reviews
The film’s biggest strengths lie in its explosive action: wild car chases, stunning fight choreography, and an unforgettable biplane scene. Critics agree that Tom Cruise doesn’t just perform the stunts—he embodies Ethan Hunt.
That said, there are a few criticisms. Reviewers note an overload of characters—especially newcomers—and found the villain Gabriel’s storyline rather shallow. And as Cannes showed, the film’s long runtime might be a challenge for some viewers.
Final Verdict?
Opinions on the finale are mixed. Some feel it’s not the most satisfying conclusion, while others see it as a worthy send-off to the Ethan Hunt saga.
You’ll be able to judge for yourself soon — the film hits theaters on May 22, 2025.
