"Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" has yet to rocket into theaters, but the film is already shaping up to be a tour-de-force action flick as far as critics are concerned.
The Christopher McQuarrie-directed action thriller starring Tom Cruise, set for a July 12 release, had its global premiere at the Spanish Steps in Rome on Monday. Cruise, looking dapper in an all-blue suit, appeared on the red carpet alongside his "Dead Reckoning" castmates, including co-star Hayley Atwell.
The latest film in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, "Dead Reckoning" follows the adrenaline-pumping stunt shenanigans of Cruise's superspy Ethan Hunt as he wards off deadly forces.
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So far, the film has earned rave reviews from critics for its stunning action sequences and compelling performances.
Erik Davis of Fandango called "Dead Reckoning" an "impeccably made action film that does not stop entertaining."
"Each action sequence is long, crazy and intense," Davis wrote on Twitter. "The story is big and sprawling, but I like how it both felt complete and left you dying for what comes next."
Perri Nemiroff of Collider said the film is "another winner for the franchise," including the addition of "Mission: Impossible" freshman Atwell.
"Tom Cruise is A+ as always and Rebecca Ferguson continues to be a favorite, but franchise newcomer Hayley Atwell wound up being the major standout for me," Nemiroff tweeted. "She can do it all. Action, comedy, a capable hero in many respects while trying to get her sea legs in others."
While Screen Rant's Joe Deckelmeier commended the film's action, he also noted how "Dead Reckoning" incorporates new technology into the film's plot. "With (artificial intelligence) being the villain, this feels like a cautionary tale," Deckelmeier wrote on Twitter.
Germain Lussier, a senior entertainment reporter at Gizmodo, wrote that the film "gets a little dense at times, but its pace and intensity more than cover that."
"'Dead Reckoning Part One' is fantastic," Lussier tweeted. "Huge variety of action and a final set piece that ranks top 2-3 all-time for the franchise."
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Contributing: Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' lauded for action-packed drama: 'Impeccably made'