Plot: “Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.” -IMDB 

We have talked about artificial intelligence for decades, but it seemed like a far-fetched idea that wouldn’t come true in my lifetime.. When news of Chat GPT first broke, I made every attempt to approach this new technology rationally and with curiosity. I suspended judgment until I could spend some time with it.  

I approached, hoping it could help me do my job better and make me a better writer. As a communications professional, I must admit it still makes me nervous. I am fearful of the change it will unleash. A new concept has emerged that could impact our economy, how we interact with information, and international relations.. With these thoughts, the latest iteration of the Mission: Impossible franchise gives us a terrifying glimpse into our future and yet one more AI challenge to consider.  

Dead Reckoning Part One raises the stakes to impossible heights. Ethan Hunt and his team must pursue a key that unlocks an AI system called “The Entity.” Possessing the power to attack truth, mislead governments, and give enormous power to whoever holds it, we quickly understand that no one person or nation should have this sort of power. Of course, any bad actor or state wielding such a device could hold a power not seen since the Manhattan Project. For Ethan (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team, this means an all-out pursuit for the key and The Entity.  

With a simple mission before us, a massive chase unfolds for a woman in possession of one half of the key. Through the streets of Venice and onboard a runaway train, Tom Cruise performs death-defying stunts coupled with some of the best cinematography I have ever witnessed in an action movie. The pace, speed, violence, and sheer bravery of these scenes only heighten the need to reach the key first.  

Beyond the stunts and cinematography, this film also excels as a genuine spy thriller. You will encounter misdirection, betrayal, and scenes that make you second-guess around every corner of this movie. As Ethan gets closer to bringing the two halves of the key together near the film’s end, this sort of work pays dividends (which, of course, is not something I will spoil).  

As the credits rolled on this film, I found myself in shock. After seven films, this franchise still delivers. The stunts feel bigger. The stakes feel loftier. The threat feels more aware of our worst fears. As I exited the theater, I felt in awe of the moment. None of us know where artificial intelligence will lead society. It is a tool, and like all tools, there are unintended consequences. This tool will improve lives. People will lose jobs and bad actors will pursue power blind to those they hurt. If this movie wants us to reflect on potential harm, then I think it successfully fulfills its purpose..  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

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Plot: “Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without superheroes, forcing him to race for his life to save the future.” -IMDB

Review: The Flash deserved better. It deserved a star whose off-screen antics did not spell disaster for the hero he represented. It deserved a studio that was less concerned with the competition and more focused on telling great stories. It deserved to be told methodically, independently, and with an unflinching desire to tie rich characters to a broader world. It deserved leaders who understand what the story and all the stories spanning the DC Universe mean to the audience.

On its own two feet, it is a fine film with an interesting plot and a unique take on the established world. But its cameos and introductions to new characters feel dirtier than fan-service. They can feel like an apology for everything the studio got wrong. Seeing Michael Keaton reprise his role as Batman or the introduction of Super Girl feels like an olive branch I am not ready to receive.
I adore the stories and characters of DC. These comic books were foundational to me. They unlocked my imagination and made me fall deeply in love with the written word. The opening scene of this film, which features The Flash, Batman, and Wonder Woman working together, is the joy I should have been feeling when we were first introduced to Superman all those years ago. The emotional weight of Barry Allen’s (Ezra Miller) origin story and reason for being is something that should have been ever present. This has not been the case. Since the introduction to the Snyder-verse, the films have felt like knock-off handbags mimicking the best of Marvel.

And the timing could not have been worse. After years of disappointment and Marvel seemingly stuck in a phase without direction, DC introduces us to their version of the multiverse in this film. Flash tries to undo the loss of his mother by going back in time, but the concept doesn’t feel as nuanced as when it was read on the page. Once again, DC could not get out of their own way.

Like I said, The Flash deserved better, and it is apparent to me that fans are punishing it because of past mistakes. I hope the leadership at Warner Bros. and James Gunn are paying attention. If you want my unsolicited advice, slow down, make thoughtful decisions, pull this world together with joy and emotional weight as a centerpiece. Also, treat your fans with respect.

Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

Visit Nathan at