Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) Movie Review

Synopsis:

After a bombing of the Kremlin in Moscow, the IMF removes agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team from active duty. With the IMF out of operation, Hunt and his team must go undercover. Together, they must prevent Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist) from accessing nuclear launch codes.

Review:

Ghost Protocol was the first Mission: Impossible entry set in a new decade. With that in mind, the film had to leave an impression on the fans.

This film expands on elements from previous films, such as the use of gadgets. For context, animated film director Brad Bird directs Ghost Protocol.

With it, he introduces new gadgets into the mix. This results in snappier pacing, visuals, and action sequences.

Brad Bird’s action sequences are less frantic compared to the previous entry. These include several highlights throughout the film’s runtime.

Ghost Protocol would not be complete without mentioning Tom Cruise's Burj Khalifa climb. For context, the Burj Khalifa is Dubai's highest skyscraper.

Cruise’s Ethan Hunt climbs the behemoth structure using magnetic gloves for support. Tom Cruise also runs down and sideways across the building.

Michael Giacchino’s Mission: Impossible theme also accompanies this scene.

As a whole, it’s a captivating sequence. It also highlights how far Tom Cruise is willing to go to impress Mission: Impossible fans.

As with the rest of the film’s action, they include several hand-to-hand bouts and car chases. It also includes an on-foot chase in a sandstorm.

Each one of them is well-filmed, never becoming too disorienting.

Ghost Protocol also introduces several new characters into the franchise. It also expands on existing ones.

As an example, Simon Pegg returns to the role of the technician, Benji Dunn.

Simon has more screen time in this film when portraying his Benji character. He also acts as a pivotal element in Ethan Hunt’s operation.

Also, Simon’s Benji acts as a comedic character in the film. This change may be welcome for some, given the previous entries’ melodramatic tone.

Making her first appearance in the franchise is Paula Patton as the IMF agent, Jane Carter.

Also, Jeremy Renner joins the cast as Chief Analyst, William Brandt. Each character is a welcome addition to the proceedings.

Paula and Jeremy’s characters are also given several action sequences to perform.

During the action, each of them is selling their choreography well.

Where Ghost Protocol does falter is with its main antagonist, Kurt Hendricks.

Kurt Hendricks has a purpose in the plot, though actor Michael Nyqvist has very little to do.

Michael portrays the character with some presence during his scenes. His motives, though, are weak. This leads to minimal investment in the character.

Ghost Protocol’s pacing also falters during the first half. This is evident when Ethan Hunt and Benji infiltrate the Kremlin.

Ghost Protocol’s use of gadgets is very creative. Despite this, the sequence could have used some refinement.

This could have included adding Michael Giacchino’s musical score in the background.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol delivers a stylish, entertaining action experience.

With Brad Bird’s direction, this film limits the melodrama of the third entry. It instead focuses on story stakes and more outlandish stunts.

Yet again, Tom Cruise meets fans’ expectations. Take the Burj Khalifa sequence, as an example.

He climbs the structure with little more than magnetic gloves and a harness.

It’s the film’s most entertaining sequence, which is well-shot. It's also enhanced even more by Michael Giacchino’s musical score.

With other elements, such as characters, Ghost Protocol is good.

Simon Pegg’s Benji Dunn provides the comedic side to the film, being a much more active character in this entry.

Paula Patton’s Jane Carter and Jeremy Renner’s William Brandt are also welcome additions to the cast. They both give good performances.

Ghost Protocol does falter in some areas. These are with its main antagonist, Kurt Hendricks. This also includes the film's pacing during the first half.

While not an awful antagonist, the character’s lack of screen time does limit the actor’s potential.

Ghost Protocol’s story pacing can also falter on occasion. Take the infiltration of the Kremlin as an example.

As a way of adding more excitement, Michael Giacchino’s score should have been at the forefront.

Ghost Protocol's problems are its underwhelming antagonist and slow pacing at times.

Despite this, the film should be entertaining enough for Mission: Impossible fans.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 7/10

Action - 7.5/10

Visuals - 7.5/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 7.2 out of 10