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Greetings again from the darkness. Empty Nest Syndrome is one thing I've never really understood. As parents, for eighteen years we work diligently to raise independent, morally strong and confident individuals who can contribute to society and stand on their own. When that time comes, it should be a celebration, not an episode of sadness and depression. For so many parents, it's the latter. This first feature film from writer-director Antonio Sequeira takes on this topic by showing not just the changing family dynamics, but also the changes for the individuals.

The story begins as Tomas (Salvador Gil) is packing for university and his family celebrates his 18th birthday. His mom, Susana (Elsa Valentim) tries to sneak treats into his suitcase and prays for him, while the goodbyes at the train station shows just how saddened she is to be losing her first born to a London school. Tomas' younger sister Belinha (Beatriz Frazao, a TV star in Portugal) and his father Otavio (Miguel Frazao) are also there for the send off.

Filmmaker Sequeira breaks the story into the four seasons, and we witness the changes of each family member throughout this time, marked by Tomas' seasonal trips back home. Initially, Tomas can't wait to shake the dust off the rural life in Portugal for a new start in the big city. Belinha is tired of feeling slighted by her parents compared to the favored son. Otavio works hard on the family vineyard and with the livestock, quietly taking grief from his wife. His response to being bothered by kids growing up ... "If they're happy, I'm happy." Susana sulks as she wonders where her own life went as she analyzes her dedication to family.

The generational differences are apparent, both in the kids deciding to study in other parts of the world, and in dad's string of inappropriate jokes (no matter how many times they call him out). Tomas' first girlfriend (Krupa Narci Givane) visits and Belinha makes a decision on her future ... this leaves Susana and Otavio facing the reality of the many years ahead being comprised of just the two of them. Can they have their own life and re-ignite the marital spark?

Autumn brings the answers and resolution - one likely similar in theme to what many parents go through when their kids leave the nest ... whether the missing bongos are found or not. The train station is a recurring locale and it's quite telling to note the differences each time. Although it's based in rural (and incredibly picturesque Portugal), the film from Sequeira will likely be relatable and insightful for most parents.

Available on digital platforms beginning June 2, 2025.

Greetings again from the darkness. The eighth and (supposedly) final entry in a fantastic action film franchise that began in 1996 may not be the best of the bunch, yet it's a mostly satisfying farewell to Ethan Hunt and his team of world-savers. Making his fourth stint as a writer-director for the latest "MI", Oscar winner Christopher McQuarrie blends new danger and stunning action sequences with admirable (if not a few too many) tributes and nods to the past films and characters (including villains).

Of course, none of this would be possible without the freak-of-nature we know as Tom Cruise. Something I've said and written many times before - Mr. Cruise was not only born to play the role of Ethan Hunt, through the years he has definitively made it his own. What has allowed most of these films to work is a combination of thrilling escapades required to prevent a catastrophe, and the tongue-in-cheek tone designed to let the audience off the hook in recognizing the audacity of the whole thing. Unfortunately, this one omits the clever banter and instead goes with a couple of wise cracks that lack the effect.

For anyone who is a bit concerned about the future impact of Artificial Intelligence, "The Entity" is the real villain in this one, and it's likely to spook you a bit more about the unknown and untapped power. Although Esai Morales returns as bad guy Gabriel, the true danger of global destruction comes courtesy of AI and its ability to take over control of all nuclear weapons on the planet. Only Ethan Hunt (should he choose to accept) and his team can stop this from happening, and if they do, it's very likely those heroics will be last-second and towards the end of the 169-minute runtime ... and after numerous action sequences that leave us breathless.

There are two truly stunning action/stunt sequences that feature Cruise at his most daring and a filmmaking team at its most technically advanced. The second of the two sequences, and the one getting the most attention is the aerial battle between two vibrantly-colored vintage biplanes. Now that description would be cool enough for most movies, but not for this franchise and certainly not for Cruise. Here, he climbs around the wing as one plane is airborne so he can take over the pilot's seat. Again, that would be an incredible feat for anyone, but it barely scratches an itch for this guy. Instead, he then makes his way from one airborne plane to other airborne plane so that he can then fight THAT pilot (Gabriel) ... and he must do so while executing another task that is required to save the world.

Yes, that aerial sequence is breathtaking and deserves accolades, yet it's the 'other' huge action sequence that left me wide-eyed and clutching the armrests. Watching Ethan Hunt deep dive into frigid ocean waters to a long-ago sunken submarine, and then navigating his way through the giant metal tube as it tumbles on the sea floor is nothing short of astonishing and jaw-dropping. It's fantastic to watch and unlike anything previously seen on screen - including other submarine movies or underwater scenes.

In addition to Cruise and Morales, other returning players include Haylee Atwell as Grace, Simon Pegg as Benji, Pom Klementieff as Paris (an amazing character), and Henry Czerny as Kittiridge. Also returning is Ving Rhames as Luther ... he and Cruise are the only two to appear in all eight MI films. Additions to the superb cast are Angela Bassett as the President, as well as Holt McCallamy, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Tramell Tillman, and Hannah Waddingham. There is also a significant surprise appearance by another returner - one that I won't spoil here. The final scene in Trafalgar Square comes across a bit corny, but let's say they've earned the right.

Cruise's courage and brilliance as Ethan Hunt are noted, while McQuarrie clearly has a love for the mission; and yet, we need to acknowledge the technical expertise brought by many, especially cinematographer Fraser Taggart and editor Eddie Hamilton. While this final entry might not be tops for the franchise, it's yet another expertly crafted big budget film that delivers the thrills its audience expects. And for the price of a ticket, those two colossal action sequences combine with Lalo Schifrin's timeless (and blood-pumping) theme song are tough to beat ... make that impossible.

Playing nationwide in theaters.