Saturday 5 January 2013

FILM: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (8/10)

Why did I watch it?
From the days when I used to watch the re-runs of the original TV series, I've always been a fan of the Mission Impossible franchise. Also, word spread about the Burj Khalifa scene in Ghost Protocol and having been up to the top of the Burj last year I was definitely interested.

What's it all about?
Following the death of their own agent, the IMF is implicated in an attack on the Kremlin and the US president implements 'ghost protocol' procedure disavowing the entire IMF. With no support, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) leads his team to recover Russian nuclear launch codes and launching device from the Kremlin's true attacker, a rogue Russian nuclear strategist with visions of nuclear war.

Should you watch it?
Ghost Protocol is probably the strongest entry in the Mission Impossible series so far. It's a fast paced, strong plot loaded with exciting action set pieces, none more so than the Burj Khalifa stunts, which look fantastic. With clever gadgets, missions, disguises and Hunt working as part of a true IMF team, Ghost Protocol stays true to the Mission Impossible mantra. Speaking of the IMF team, Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg add to the film's dynamics as well as most of the film's humourous moments. 

Make no mistake though, Ghost Protocol is Tom Cruise's film. When Ethan Hunt is on form, and is he in Ghost Protocol, Cruise probably doesn't play a better character these days. He seems to thrive on the stunts he performs himself and the film is better for it. The film isn't without its flaws however, I didn't feel that anywhere near enough emphasis was placed on Michael Nyqvist's villain. In fact, I could barely remember him the following day! Also, for the fact that the film is based on a protocol that supposedly renders the team with no support or back-up, it didn't really seem to have any impact at all on the mission. I can't remember it really being mentioned later on.


All things considered though, Ghost Protocol is a really enjoyable action film with some fantastic action sequences.

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