The two hour, 49 minute conclusion to the seven-sequel franchise is self-congratulatory and inanely plotted. But, as always, it's fun to watch Tom Cruise, now 62, execute eye-popping stunts.

The pandemic decimated the box office and the reshaped the moviegoing experience. NPR's movie critic, Bob Mondello, looks back on how his job changed during the early months of COVID-19.

Does climate change exist? And does a character know it? Barbie, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One and Nyad met the criteria for a new challenge inspired by the famous Bechdel Test.

The Mission: Impossible franchise runs on its ability to meet expectations. Not just any expectations — high expectations. And through all seven films, it has remained remarkably stable at its core.

The blockbuster movies have been pushed back once again — Top Gun: Maverick is now scheduled to hit theaters in the spring and Mission: Impossible 7 won't be released until next September.