G-S-T Review…Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

For those of you seeking an over-caffeinated, adrenaline fueled, heart stopping, action movie…look no further. Videophiles looking for amazing camera work, breathtaking views and enough CG to make Lucas happy; you are in for a real treat as well. For audiophiles, seeing the film in 7.1 surround or at an IMAX theater is a must. The audio breathes its own life into the film making it leap off of the screen, through the speakers and into your skull. The next thing you know, you are sitting there on sensory overload and then it happens. You hear the Mission Impossible theme song, your eyes widen, your pulse quickens and you realize something amazing is about to happen.

This fourth installment of Mission Impossible, dubbed Ghost Protocol, finds the IMF accused of bombing the Kremlin. This forces Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his new team, Jane (Paula Patton), Benji (Simon Pegg) and Brandt (Jeremy Renner), to go rogue. Using what little resources they’re able to muster, they set out on a mission to clear the IMF’s good name. Most trilogies come in threes, but Mission Impossible is clearly using a different recipe for success. There have been many attempts to copy the success of Mission Impossible, but nothing quite lives up to the hype of another Mission Impossible movie.

This film was directed by Brad Bird, who typically directs animated children’s movies. Kudos to Brad for making a seamless transition into an established, high action, high expectations movie franchise, known as Mission Impossible. Brad has worn many hats in Hollywood, including some work in the animation department. He has directed animated movies such as The Iron Giant, The Incredibles and Ratatouille. Stepping onto this moving train and pushing it forward is an amazing act of well-rounded talent and leadership capabilities. It also doesn’t hurt that the cast has been around the block a time or two. Most of them have seen their share of action movies.

Overall the movie was well cast and everyone played to their strengths. Tom Cruise needs no introduction. Most people will recognize Brandt (Jeremy Renner) from his roles in The Hurt Locker and The Town. Benji (Simon Pegg) has been in a number of films as well, including the surprise hit Shaun of the Dead. Jane (Paula Patton), Hitch and Déjà vu, rounds out the IMF crew. A surprisingly fresh face for some will be Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist), star of the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. Brij Nath (Anil Kapoor) is another face some may or may not recognize from Slumdog Millionaire.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, also known as the tallest building in the world, is the main attraction featured in this film. The camera work involved in capturing this magnificent structure is phenomenal and heart stopping, all at the same time. The building itself truly is a pivotal point in the movie. The obstacles Ethan encounters, as he attempts to tackle this unnatural wonder, add to the overall intensity. Ethan’s ascent to the top of Burj Khalifa serves as the highest point in the film. Once he starts to descend the building the movie intensifies, gains momentum and never slows down until the end.

With Ghost Protocol most people are expecting an adrenaline filled, action movie, with a few words sprinkled in between the action sequences. MI:GP far exceeds those expectations and delivers an impressive addition to the Mission Impossible franchise. Just as you are starting to get nervous, gripping your armrest tightly, something happens. Witty dialogue is strategically placed at the most tense moments, which catches you off guard and causes you to explode with laughter. There are so many subtle and witty moments that garner unexpected laughter as well.

G-S-T RULING:

Whether you have seen all of the previous Mission Impossible installments or this is your first time to see a Mission Impossible movie, you will not be disappointed. Mission Impossible is one of those franchises which promises high octane thrills and delivers on its promise. If this installment of Mission Impossible is the last, then everyone involved did this movie franchise proud. If you’ve seen Mission Impossible already, please share your thoughts below. If you haven’t seen the movie, go see it…then come back and talk about it.