Mission Implausible is more like it. But no matter – this movie isn’t really about plot or plausibility. It’s about cool stunts and stunning imagery. So if you’re into the action stuff, go see it (in IMAX) and enjoy the adrenaline rush through Budapest, Moscow, Dubai and Mumbai.
For those actually counting, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is the fourth installment in the franchise starring Tom Cruise as secret agent Ethan Hunt. He leads a black ops team known as the IMF – the Impossible Mission Force (not the International Monetary Fund, though both are equally mysterious to me).
I honestly can’t remember if I saw any or all of the previous MI films. I think I saw one – or maybe it was two. The storylines don’t exactly stick with you nearly as much as the classic theme music. But I’m happy to report that Cruise seems to be aging quite nicely in (what I hope is) his post-crazy period.
The gist of the story is this: The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin and the theft of nuclear launch codes. The President invokes “ghost protocol”, meaning the team is disavowed and devoid of backup as they try to clear their name and prevent World War Three. Hunt’s rogue team includes the dangerously beautiful Jane (Paula Patton), the quirky gadget-meister Benji (Simon Pegg), and the secretive government analyst Brandt (Jeremy Renner). Most of the stunts (especially those involving Cruise) are totally absurd yet entertaining – even breathtaking. If you have a fear of heights, you may want to shield your eyes in Dubai. 
There’s more to the story of course, including a ruthless female assassin and a diabolical Russian extremist codenamed “Cobalt” who hold the keys to destroying détente’. I’d go on, but this review is rigged to self-destruct in five seconds…
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is rated PG-13 for some intense action and violence, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously or go too dark. The film runs a pretty fast-paced 2 hours, 13 minutes. Here’s a taste:
if JJ Abrams is involved I’ll give it a chance.
Abrams directed the last one (MI3) but is only credited as a producer on this installment. Ironically, Ghost Protocol is directed by Brad Bird, a guy with heavy animation cred (Ratatouille, The Incredibles). Still a fun ride though.
I agree with Mainstream Chick’s assessment of the movie. Definitely entertaining and worth seeing on IMAX. As someone who really dislikes heights, the Dubai scenes were a bit much.
A tool to keep russia as an threat