You couldn’t pay me to see either one, but I wish them well.

In the latest film industry buzz, Paramount and Skydance’s upcoming release, 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,' is projected to perform exceptionally well at the box office, potentially breaking previous franchise records. Following the critical but underwhelming box office success of 'Dead Reckoning,' this new sequel aims to captivate audiences with its action-packed narrative that continues Ethan Hunt’s saga, primarily focusing on his battle against a rogue AI known as The Entity. With its Memorial Day weekend release drawing near, astute observers have noted that early projections estimate 'Final Reckoning' will rake in at least $100 million upon its debut, positioning it as the highest-grossing opening in the franchise’s history. This expectation comes as it prepares to face off against the live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch,' which also carries considerable anticipation among fans. The previous installment of the franchise, 'Dead Reckoning,' earned $571 million globally but faced scrutiny for its production cost of $300 million, thus creating a narrative of underperformance amidst competing films like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer.' However, the cinematic landscape is different for 'Final Reckoning,' which is framed as a potential culmination of Tom Cruise’s storied role as Hunt, providing a compelling draw for franchise loyalists and casual viewers alike. Despite the looming budget of around $400 million, which necessitates a robust box office performance to merely break even, there's an optimistic sentiment that this film can surpass expectations. The marketing emphasizing it as the franchise's finale, even without a solid confirmation of this being the end, adds to the allure. The outcome will heavily depend on viewer engagement and whether Cruise's star power can overshadow other competitive releases like 'Karate Kid: Legends' and 'Thunderbolts.' This sentiment is echoed in various comments from enthusiastic fans who are keen to support Cruise's efforts, particularly considering the emotional investment they have in this long-running series. Cinema-goers are optimistic about 'Final Reckoning,' hoping it delivers the thrills and excitement befitting the established legacy of the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, as Cruise approaches what may be his final outing in this iconic role.