I Know What You Did Last Summer Reboot & Mission: Impossible Final Ending Explored

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.

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:

Motivation Issues: The killer’s reasoning contradicts established franchise mythology
Character Assassination: It fundamentally changes how we view beloved characters from the original
Logic Problems: The timeline and logistics simply don’t add up
Emotional Disconnect: Instead of feeling shocked or surprised, you’re left confused and frustrated

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:

Strong cinematography that captures the coastal setting beautifully
Effective use of practical effects in the kill sequences
Solid performances from the young cast, especially Madelyn Cline
Good pacing in the first two acts
Genuine moments of tension and dread

What Doesn’t:

Convoluted plot that loses focus in the third act
Inconsistent tone that shifts from self-aware to overly serious
Wasted potential of legacy characters
An ending that feels like it was written by committee

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:

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) – 8/10
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) – 6/10
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) – 5/10
I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006) – 3/10

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 underwater submarine infiltration (absolutely breathtaking)
A motorcycle chase through the streets of Rome that rivals “Dead Reckoning”
A clifftop confrontation that combines emotional stakes with physical peril
The final train sequence that serves as both action climax and emotional resolution

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:

Ethan Hunt’s final confrontation with his own mortality and legacy
The team dynamic that has evolved naturally over multiple films
Meaningful closure for characters we’ve followed for years
New characters that feel integrated rather than shoehorned in

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 The Critics Might Be Wrong:

Comparing every new entry to “Fallout” sets an impossibly high bar
The emotional elements might not appeal to critics looking for pure action
Some reviewers seem to want more innovation when the film is about providing closure
The “little messy” plot criticism misses how it “more than makes up for it with spectacular action”

Critical Reception Comparison: Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Now THIS is how you end a franchise on a high note.

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” delivers everything you want from a Mission Impossible film and then some. While some critics have called it disappointing compared to “Fallout” and “Dead Reckoning,” I think they’re missing the point. This isn’t just an action movie, it’s a farewell letter to one of cinema’s greatest action heroes.

What Makes It Work:

The film succeeds where the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot fails: it respects its legacy while pushing the franchise forward. Tom Cruise, at 63, is still throwing himself off cliffs and hanging from helicopters with the dedication that’s defined these films for nearly three decades. But more importantly, the emotional weight feels earned.

The AI storyline (the Entity) provides genuine stakes that feel relevant to our current moment without being preachy. The action sequences are spectacular – particularly a sequence involving a submarine that had me holding my breath for what felt like ten minutes.

Final Thoughts:

While the plot can get convoluted (it’s a Mission Impossible movie, after all), the character work and practical stunts elevate everything else. If this truly is Ethan Hunt’s final mission, it’s a hell of a way to say goodbye.

IMDb User Ratings Breakdown

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025): 5.2/10

Demographics skewing younger (18-29) rate it higher (6.1/10)
Horror fans more divided than general audiences
International audiences slightly more favorable

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: User reviews trending higher

Read detailed user reviews on IMDb
Consistent praise for practical stunts and emotional payoff
Some criticism for complex plot structure

Professional Critics vs. Audience Disconnect

There’s a notable gap between critical reception and audience enjoyment for both films, but for different reasons:

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” suffers from critic and audience alignment both groups are disappointed by the third act, though audiences are more forgiving of the franchise nostalgia elements.

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” shows the opposite pattern: critics rate it at 80% while audiences give it 92%, suggesting that fans are more satisfied with the emotional conclusion than critics anticipated.

Box Office Performance and Cultural Impact

Commercial Success Stories

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” has proven that practical action still draws crowds, while “I Know What You Did Last Summer” demonstrates the continued challenges facing horror reboots in today’s market.

Key Takeaways:

Original IP vs. reboots: The importance of respecting source material
Franchise fatigue vs. franchise loyalty: When fans stick with long-running series
Summer movie competition: How different genres compete for audience attention

Final Verdict: Which Summer 2025 Movie Deserves Your Time?

For Horror Fans: Proceed with Caution

If you’re a die-hard “I Know What You Did Last Summer” fan, you’ll probably want to see the reboot for yourself. Just manage your expectations and prepare for frustration in the third act. The film has moments of genuine effectiveness, particularly in its first half, but the ending might leave you wishing they’d taken a different approach entirely.

Watch if: You’re a franchise completist or enjoy Madelyn Cline’s work
Skip if: You’re looking for a horror film that sticks the landing

For Action Enthusiasts: Don’t Miss This One

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” represents everything that’s great about practical action filmmaking. Even if it’s not quite as tight as “Fallout,” it’s a worthy send-off for one of cinema’s greatest action heroes. Tom Cruise and the entire team have crafted something that works as both spectacular entertainment and emotional closure.

Must-watch for: Action fans, Tom Cruise enthusiasts, anyone who’s followed the franchise
Perfect for: IMAX viewing (seriously, see this on the biggest screen possible)

The Bigger Picture: What These Films Tell Us About Modern Franchises

These two summer releases illustrate the crucial difference between honoring a franchise’s legacy and exploiting it. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” understands what makes its series special and builds upon that foundation. “I Know What You Did Last Summer” seems more interested in brand recognition than storytelling coherence.

The lesson for Hollywood? Audiences can tell the difference between genuine passion projects and cash grabs. Nostalgia only works when it’s paired with respect for the source material and genuine innovation.

What’s Next? More 2025 Movie Reviews Coming Soon

What other 2025 releases should I tackle next? I’m considering deep dives into:

The latest Marvel entry and superhero fatigue
This year’s Oscar contenders and their early buzz
International films making waves in US markets
Streaming vs. theatrical releases: What’s worth the trip to theaters?

Let me know in the comments which movies you want me to review next, and whether you agree or completely disagree with these takes!

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Summer 2025 Movie Reviews: I Know What You Did Last Summer vs Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Which Horror Reboot and Action Sequel Delivers?

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