Summer 2025 Movie Reviews: I Know What You Did Last Summer vs Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Which Horror Reboot and Action Sequel Delivers?
Updated September 2025 | Movie Reviews | Summer Blockbusters | Horror Movies | Action Films The summer of 2025 has delivered two highly anticipated franchise entries that couldn’t be more different in execution and quality. After watching both the long-awaited “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot and what might be Tom Cruise’s final “Mission: Impossible” outing, I’m here with detailed reviews, critical analysis, and honest recommendations for your weekend movie plans. Table of Contents I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025): A Frustrating Near-Miss That Squanders Its Potential My Rating: 2.5/5 stars IMDb Rating: 5.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: Check current scores The Setup That Almost Worked Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s approach to reviving the classic slasher franchise initially shows real promise. Released on July 18, 2025, this legacy sequel attempts to bridge the gap between 90s nostalgia and modern horror sensibilities. The film stars Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks) alongside Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, and Tyriq Withers as a new generation of characters haunted by their dark past. For the first 45 minutes, everything clicks. The cinematography captures that perfect blend of sun soaked coastal beauty and underlying dread that made the 1997 original so effective. The young cast delivers committed performances, with Madelyn Cline particularly stealing the show as the group’s reluctant leader. The film’s self-aware humor works without becoming overly meta, and the kills are genuinely inventive. Where It All Falls Apart: That Devastating Third Act Here’s where spoiler territory begins, though I’ll keep details vague. The film’s fatal flaw lies in its desperate attempt to connect with the original 1997 film in a way that feels both forced and narratively destructive. The twist reveal – which involves bringing back a character from the original franchise and making them the killer – undermines everything that came before. Why This Twist Doesn’t Work: The original “I Know What You Did Last Summer” worked because Ben Willis had clear, personal motivation for his revenge. This reboot’s killer feels like they were chosen for shock value rather than narrative coherence. Technical Aspects and Performances What Works: What Doesn’t: How It Compares to Previous Franchise Entries The teen slasher franchise has had its ups and downs, and this entry falls somewhere in the disappointing middle. While it’s certainly better than “I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer” (2006), it lacks the focused storytelling of the original and even the campy fun of “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (1998). Franchise Rankings: Rating: 2.5/5 stars Let me be honest I went into the 2025 reboot of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” with cautious optimism. The opening act actually had me hooked. There’s something compelling about revisiting that classic setup: young people, a dark secret, and the inevitable return of past mistakes. The cinematography was sleek, the atmosphere was properly moody, and for about 45 minutes, I thought we might actually have a worthy successor to the 1997 original. But then the third act happened. What Went Wrong: The film completely unravels in its final stretch, and the culprit is that twist ending. Without spoiling too much, the decision to bring back an original character and transform them into the killer feels like a desperate grab for nostalgia rather than a meaningful narrative choice. It’s the kind of twist that makes you question everything that came before not in a good “Sixth Sense” way, but in a “wait, that makes no sense” way. The bigger issue is how this revelation undermines the entire franchise mythology. The original film worked because the killer’s motivation was clear and personal. This reboot tries to have it both ways honoring the past while subverting it and ends up achieving neither goal effectively. The Verdict: Worth a rental if you’re a franchise completist, but don’t expect the tight storytelling that made the original a cult classic. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise’s Spectacular Swan Song My Rating: 4.5/5 stars Rotten Tomatoes: 80% Critics, 92% Audience | IMDb User Reviews Why This Might Be the Perfect Franchise Finale Released on May 23, 2025, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” delivers what fans have been hoping for: a worthy conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s seemingly impossible career. While some critics have called it disappointing compared to “Fallout” and “Dead Reckoning Part One,” I believe they’re missing the forest for the trees. This isn’t just another action movie – it’s a meditation on legacy, sacrifice, and what it means to be a hero in an increasingly complex world. The Action: Still Unmatched After All These Years At 63, Tom Cruise continues to push the boundaries of what’s physically possible for a leading man. Critics say the film delivers “some of the most jaw-dropping action you will ever witness”, and they’re not exaggerating. The centerpiece submarine sequence is a masterclass in practical effects and genuine tension. I found myself holding my breath for what felt like an eternity. Standout Action Sequences: The AI Storyline: Relevant Without Being Preachy The continuation of the Entity storyline from “Dead Reckoning” provides stakes that feel genuinely relevant to our current technological moment. Unlike many films that handle AI themes with heavy-handed messaging, “The Final Reckoning” integrates these concepts naturally into the Mission: Impossible formula. The AI isn’t just a MacGuffin – it’s a reflection of humanity’s relationship with technology and control. Character Development and Emotional Weight The film has “a surprising sentimental streak” that never feels forced or manipulative. After seven films and nearly three decades, we genuinely care about Ethan Hunt and his team. The emotional beats land because they’ve been earned through years of character development. Character Arcs That Deliver: Critical Reception Analysis The Rotten Tomatoes score currently stands at 80% with critics and 92% with audiences, which places it toward the middle of the franchise in terms of critical reception. However, audience scores tell a different story – fans are clearly connecting with this finale in a way that critics might be missing. Why