“Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning,” a Paramount Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for “bloody images, action, brief language, and sequences of strong violence.” Running time: 179 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

Jessica Simpson returned to television screens following a 15-year absence. Simpson, 44, performed during the Sunday, May 18, American Idol finale, hitting the stage to deliver two tracks: her new song “Blame Me” and her famed 2005 rendition of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin,” a reimagining of Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 hit. The “Boots” performance

The Final Reckoning made its dazzling U.S. premiere at Lincoln Center in New York on May 18, fans and film insiders alike wondered, is this truly the last mission for Ethan Hunt? Tom Cruise answered that question with resounding clarity on the red carpet,