The new Mission: Impossible movie is exclusively in theaters, and Tom Cruise wouldn’t want it any other way. After shining a light on the actor’s strike that began this week and discussing some of the contentious issues in the context of Dead Reckoning Part One, P.T., Greg, and I unpack (and clarify) the dense spy thriller plot, rejoice over our favorite action set pieces, and compare our notes on characters old and new. We’ll be your parachute as you float down from a blockbuster high.

Movie News Check-In 2:04

The Hollywood Strike in the Context of Tom Cruise, Movie Theaters, and the M:I Franchise 17:42

The Short Take (Spoiler Free) 31:38

The Recommendation Algorithm (Spoiler Free) 44:20

SPOILER MODE 48:33

Predictions for Part Two 2:03:40

What Were Other Actors Were Doing at 61 2:13:35

Oscars Watch 2:17:33

Image Credit: LA Times

Intro and outro music is “Divers,” by Hara Noda, licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Logo art: Illustration 73265080 © Worldofvector | Dreamstime.com

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