Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning * Outstanding Film! Full Of Constant High-Tension And Emotional Moments — And Insane Stunts
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an outstanding film that I really like. It is packed with action and adventure, all while being so suspenseful and compelling. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire movie, and was completely engaged the whole time.” Charlotte L. adds, “…filled with all we expect from a Mission: Impossible movie — crazy plans that somehow manage to work, constant danger, incredible stunts, and suspenseful scenes… all the more impressive when you realize that Tom Cruise does his own stunts… Katherine S. wraps it up with, “… an absolutely action-packed movie, taking a more serious and grave tone than the previous installments of the series. It’s full of constant high-tension and emotional moments, and insane stunts, as always. See their full reviews below.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Mikella G, KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 19
Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an outstanding film that I really like. It is packed with action and adventure, all while being so suspenseful and compelling. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire movie, and was completely engaged the whole time.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning brings us right back into this world, where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must complete one final mission. This time though, the weight of the world is ultimately in his hands. He has a very small amount of time to find the Entity and, if he is unsuccessful, humanity as we know it will be destroyed.
The suspenseful storyline is its biggest standout. It’s incredible how even after seven movies, the eighth and final one is still so entertaining. I was completely immersed in this film. Almost every single scene feels like a big drop on a roller coaster.
Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt and Simon Pegg plays Benji Dunn in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Even though it is almost 3 hours long, it certainly doesn’t feel that long. There was never a moment when I got bored, or tired of it. On the contrary, the non-stop excitement fills the room. Watching it in the theater also felt very special, because it was almost as if the entire audience was on the journey together. We gasped and laughed together. It’s very special for a film to bring a group of people together who have never met before, to have a cathartic experience, and that is the effect that this movie had on my audience. Another major standout is Tom Cruise’s stunt abilities. In every movie of this franchise, Cruise proves himself time and time again, and for this final film he pulls out all the stops. Everything is real; no green screens were used. From plane chases to falling from the sky, it always amazes me at the limits he pushes to get the perfect shot.
Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
This film has a lot of underwater work. I learned that Cruise trained to be able to hold his breath for long amounts of time – his dedication is truly inspiring. Additionally, the cinematography is another aspect that is top notch. The underwater scenes are particularly captivating. The audience really gets a feel for how deep and dark the ocean is. I could almost feel the stillness and quietness of the ocean. Lastly, the sound effects really enhance this movie. In every scene I could hear every sound as if I was actually there – from the wind, to the submarine sounds, to the heavy breathing and gunshots, everything is accounted for. When you sit down to watch this movie, be prepared to be completely consumed into the Mission: Impossible franchise.
The film’s message is to live life without regrets and remember that no singular action defines who we are. Be aware that there are many fight scenes, and violent weapons used.
I give Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning releases in theaters May 23, 2025.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
By Charlotte L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 14
Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt, Pom Klementieff plays Paris, Greg Tarzan Davis plays Degas, Simon Pegg plays Benji Dunn and Hayley Atwell plays Grace in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
I really like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning because the storyline drew me in; the story combines the old and the new, and the acting is really well played. .
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning continues the storyline of the previous Mission: Impossible films. It follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team including some of our favorite returning characters such as Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), and Grace (Hayley Atwell). Once again, Hunt and his team find themselves on a daring mission to save the world.
The storyline of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is paramount — continuing the story of previous films with a short recap of part one of this story. It is filled with all we expect from a Mission: Impossible movie — crazy plans that somehow manage to work, constant danger, incredible stunts, and suspenseful scenes.
Ving Rhames as Luther in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
This seems all the more impressive when you realize that Tom Cruise does his own stunts, which are found in abundance in this movie. Examples of stunts worth looking forward to are Ethan Hunt hanging off a plane and parachuting out of the sky. The suspenseful scene makes you nervous because, even though it’s Tom Cruise, so you know he’ll be okay, you can’t help but feel scared for him. The music, acting, and lightning contribute to this and make it seem as if Hunt is truly in danger.
This movie combines old and new characters also; the new characters and aspects of the plot blend so well together that it seems almost like real life. The acting is spectacular! Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt so well and Simon Pegg, as Benji, plays a comedic, yet loyal and determined character incredibly well.
This movie is packed with humorous remarks, not only from Benji, but from all the characters.
Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Another notable performance is by Ving Rhames who plays Luther. Although Luther doesn’t play as big of a role in this film as he has in previous ones, he definitely enhances this film.
The message of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is that your choices can affect others more than you expect.
I give Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on May 23, 2025.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an absolutely action-packed movie, taking a more serious and grave tone than the previous installments of the series. It’s full of constant high-tension and emotional moments, and insane stunts, as always. It is definitely long but has a solid way to end the entity’s storyline (maybe?).
Now that Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) has retrieved the cruciform key, the next step in destroying the rogue AI – “The Entity” – is finding the Podkova, which contains the original code of the AI and is at an unknown location at the bottom of the sea. So, Ethan and his team must travel the globe and find the Podkova before The Entity gains control of every nuclear arsenal and launches them, annihilating the world. It’s a cautionary tale about AI and offers a scary view into the future of artificial intelligence’s power.
If you haven’t watched Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 you should do so because it is the first part of this movie, but you don’t need to watch any of the other earlier ones to understand the story, but long-time fans will enjoy all the references to past movies in this one.
Nick Offerman, Charles Parnell, Angela Bassett, Mark Gatiss and Janet McTeer in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Even though this is the eighth film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, running at just under three hours – the longest Mission: Impossible movie yet – and has the word “final” in the title, it’s unknown whether this will be the last assignment for Ethan Hunt after almost 30 years of missions. Almost all of the stunts in the Mission: Impossible movies are performed by Tom Cruise and always seem to outdo each other, but the stunts in this movie are so crazy that even professionals said they were impossible, but Tom Cruise was able to make them happen. There’s a wing-walking stunt between two planes in this film – this isn’t the first time Cruise has done stunts with planes, but in this particular situation, the original stunt teams said his vision was not possible. However, Cruise defied the odds and was able to do an extremely dangerous and extremely impressive wing-walking stunt. Along with all of these action-packed and impressive stunts, there’s also a lot of fast-moving images and flashbacks to past movies, so I would advise you to be cautious while watching this movie if you are photosensitive. Ethan Hunt and his team, Benji (Simon Pegg), Grace (Hayley Atwell), Paris (Pom Klemenieff) and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis), have such good chemistry and, despite being so different, they work so well together. Ethan spends a lot of time apart from his team, but his care for these people is so apparent. Some of these characters are on opposite sides of the original conflict, so it is very interesting to see their bonds grow through everything they encounter in this movie.
Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
The stunts in this movie are so crazy that even professionals said they were impossible, but Tom Cruise was able to make them happen. Ethan Hunt and his team, Benji (Simon Pegg), Grace (Hayley Atwell), Paris (Pom Klemenieff) and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis), have such good chemistry and despite being so different, they work so well together.
The film’s message is that teamwork and determination can make the impossible possible. Be forewarned that there is some profanity, intense fighting scenes, very gruesome situations and death. I do not recommend this movie for photosensitive or sound-sensitive viewers, as well as people who are sensitive to violent scenes.
I give Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases in theaters on May 23, 2025.
Lilo & Stitch is a 2025 American science fiction comedy film directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. The story is about a lonely human girl named Lilo who adopts a dog-like alien named Stitch to mend her fractured family, unaware that Stitch is genetically engineered to be a force of destruction, and is being pursued by aliens and social workers, while Lilo teaches Stitch the idea of family.
A fun and adventurous Panda travels from China to Africa to rescue his best friend, Dragon, who has been kidnapped by the lions. On his journey, he discovers a completely unknown world and faces frightening hippos, suspicious hyenas, and wise gorillas. Relying on his wits and some newfound friends, he makes his way across Africa, before rescuing his friend Dragon and saving his new friends’ jungle home.
Panda Bear in Africa is outstanding! The storyline is captivating and thematically rich. Many characters share words of wisdom that make the film inspirational. I enjoyed the creative humor and witty comments throughout the film.
This film is phenomenal! The storyline is well done and impressive. Pang’s adventure is riveting and the characters he meets along the way open up when he embraces them with kindness. I like the wise comments in the film such as “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Putting these wise words into the film adds a level of depth relatable to many. The humor is abundant throughout the film mainly from the lion prince Ade (Namisa Mdalose). The humor is child appropriate and enjoyable for all ages. My favorite part is the lion prince’s birthday party because many animals bring him some hilarious gifts. My favorite character is Niala (Candice Modiselle) because she is guarded and salty at the beginning but becomes friendlier toward the end of the film.
I love Panda Bear in Africa. It is funny, well animated, has an amazing storyline, and great voice acting. It kept me entertained and laughing through the whole movie.
Panda Bear in Africa is filled with ridiculous scenes and jokes that kept cracking me up. Even the characters themselves are hilarious. Props to the animators for using the CGI to the fullest. They use it to the absolute best of their capabilities to make everything so beautiful. The sand, water, trees, even the animals are wonderfully done. I have to commend Richard Claus and Karsten Kiilerich for both writing and directing this movie. The script is fantastic and it had me wondering what was going to happen next. It also kept my eyes open while I sat at the edge of my seat. I could feel all the emotions the main characters were expressing. I especially love the voice acting of Yootha Wong Loi Sing. He really captures a goofy, childlike personality for his character. The casting is really good all across the board. The music department really succeeds at making the music match the scenes. It really helped immerse me into the film. As much as I love this film, the one thing that is missing is character development – the characters are pretty much one dimensional. Other than that, this is a great film. My favorite part is when Jielong’s self-pep talk goes terribly wrong and she is then faced with a duo of dastardly animals which complicate her plans.
I like the film Panda Bear in Africa, because of its adventures and the Nigerian accents. l also like how the panda is so warm-hearted and genuine. I like how the dragon always supports the panda in everything he does – and it goes both ways. In everything they do, they are so intertwined; it’s almost like their brains are connected.
One thing that is very noticeable is the panda bear’s bravery; it broke my heart to see the panda risk everything to save his friend’s life. In addition to his warm-hearted personality, Panda Bear is emotional, thoughtful, responsible and goofy. The other characters help us better understand the panda bear’s personality. I didn’t like how JoJo is always leaving the panda and running away. However, I do really like the ending when he comes to help the panda. I also like Ade (Namisa Mdalose), because he’s funny – after every sad scene he brings happiness. This movie taught me to think about how jungle animals live and take care of each other. I like how The Lion King and Kung Fu Panda are referenced. I love the adventures in this movie. They made me jump out of my seat every time something exciting happened. I also like how they combine Asia and Africa here. The graphics are crisp and realistic – making the audience feel as if you are a part of the movie. Another notable element is how the jungle is shown in both countries. I also like the lighting; it makes the jungle look so real. The darkness is real as well.
Panda Bear in Africa is a cute, heartwarming animated film full of fun characters, vibrant colors, and great messages. I enjoyed the animation, the characters and all the lessons the movie teaches along the way.
The animation is so bright and vibrantly colored! The greens of the jungle and red and yellows of Pang’s home town make me feel like I am right there with Pang. However, I was disappointed that Pang and the other animals are not so cute, the landscapes are not particularly detailed and the lion’s rock feels very flat. However I do like how lions and hyenas are part of the story. I love how every animal has its own personality and skills that, in the end, are used to help Pang find his friend. At first, they don’t work together so well, but eventually they learn to work as a team. The voice actors are expressive and fit each character with a unique and interesting personality for each one. Pang has a gentle tone that shows how caring he is. He helps everyone in need even if it means risking something and giving people multiple chances. Georgina Verbaan, who voices Jielong has a very upbeat tone and sounds very positive all the time, even when she is captured. Maurits Delchot plays the very talkative monkey, Jojo. He is energetic and provides comedic relief for the story. Jojo accompanies Pang on his journey and guides Pang through Africa.
In 2023, KIDS FIRST! began a partnership with Ukraine Matters to create an online film festival for children in Ukraine and for Ukrainian refugees. We are returning this September with a 2nd edition, entitled “Love Changes Everything” that will focus on international short and feature films designed to uplift and inspire.
Ranny Levy, President, emphasizes, “We began our film festival partnership with Ukraine Matters two years ago and are excited to expand this year to bring these powerful and supportive stories for their youth and families.”
Beyond this collaboration, KIDS FIRST! invites non-profit organizations worldwide to co-host local festivals or individual film screenings of this curated film collection. Whether at established film festivals, children’s museums, schools, or libraries, KIDS FIRST! can offer your organization an opportunity to help support our friends in Ukraine.
Teenage inventor Miles Fletcher unlocks the lost secret to limitless energy, catching the attention of Luxos Energy, a corporation posing as heroes. Just as he perfects his invention, they betray him—stealing his work and shutting him out. With nowhere to turn, Miles must decide—give up or trust his friends and fight back. In a high-stakes battle of ingenuity vs. industry, he races to stop Luxos before they turn his discovery into a weapon.
The Lightning Code is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure that blends science, friendship, and courage into a family-friendly sci-fi film that sparks your imagination! With high-stakes action, lovable characters, and a meaningful message about innovation and integrity, this film is a standout in the genre.
The story follows teen inventor Miles Fletcher (Andrew Reid), who finally cracks his late mother’s code, an invention based on Nikola Tesla’s dream of limitless energy. When a powerful corporation called Luxos Energy steps in with promises to help, Miles believes he’s found a way to change the world. But Luxos has its own sinister agenda. With the help of his best friend Piper, her hilarious younger brother Jamie, and his loyal robot companion Newt, Miles must outsmart a tech giant and unlock the truth about his invention and himself. Andrew Reid brings charm and conviction to the role of Miles, making him both relatable and inspiring. Piper is a standout character too, fierce, loyal, and smart. The chemistry among the young cast is fun to watch, and Newt the robot adds humor and heart to the team.
The visual effects are impressive, especially during the high-voltage scenes involving Miles’ invention. The film feels both futuristic and grounded, thanks to its sleek design and real-world themes. One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Miles and Piper break into Luxos to retrieve the missing blueprints; it’s full of suspense, clever thinking, and showcases their strong friendship. The film also excels in building emotional stakes, especially in scenes that connect Miles to his mother’s memory and mission.
The Lightning Code is not your standard issue sci-fi film. A complex plot with multiple layers, mystery at every turn, and the trust and chemistry of friendship set the stage to prove that the future is truly what we make it.
It might seem like this feature is pretty straightforward, but there are more twists and turns than I expected. Multiple elusive storylines create an air of mystery, and how the parallel adventures from multiple times come together, through code, is fun to see. There are times when Miles might feel stuck, only to find a phrase or a sequence from years before that shows the way through a challenge. My favorite scene is actually one such instance. After Miles learns the truth behind Luxos, he’s not sure where to turn next. All seems lost until a saved childhood artifact reveals the code he must crack for him to keep going.
Now any good movie has laughter, and The Lightning Code is no exception. This movie finds its own in Newt, a robot with a wicked sense of dry humor. Built to help Miles’ endeavors, Newt always is there to provide a new side to the argument with hilarious and often sarcastic comments. Of course Miles has more friends than just a realist robot. The chemistry between Piper, Jamie, and Miles is clear as day, and brings the movie further into reality. Director Kali Bailey wonderfully captures the spirit of teamwork as the friends work through the difficulties Luxos throws their way.
The Lightning Code is such a unique movie with incredible visuals and ideas. It’s unlike anything I have ever seen, and the mysteries and puzzles always had me invested thanks to their distinctiveness.
The Lightning Code has such distinctive ideas and uses very interesting concepts to create a captivating story. The concepts and ideas for technology in this film are phenomenal – not only are they remarkable, but they are especially well designed and executed. For example, the machine for power is so special and cool looking, and I love how the way it works is well explained. The story is very well-written, with noteworthy plot points and characters such as the protagonist, Miles Fletcher. His character arc is extremely well-developed, and his actions and reactions are all believable as a result of our following his reasoning as it occurs. However, some earlier scenes suffer from a lack of buildup, leading to them to make less of an impact than later scenes, despite their importance. These scenes are helped by the impeccable camera work by Diego Cacho which highlights the emotions of the characters through the visuals.
On the whole, the visuals are extraordinary – the sets help tell the story and the bigger effects, such as the explosions, all leave their mark. The music choices add a lot, especially in the montages, such as when “The Spark” is used when Miles is inventing – they help tell the story through the lyrics.
