Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Review

From the moment they light the fuse in the beginning of this movie you know you're in for a ride. The 'Mission: Impossible' movies are always full of amazing stunts, slick action, innovative gadgets and exotic locations. They are basically the American take on the suave spy genre; with Tom Cruise as the shadowy but heroic Hunt, Ethan Hunt.

The first film dates back to 1996 and was based on the classic television series from the late 1960's. Legendary director Brian DePalma created a tense and slick action thriller with Tom Cruise as the charismatic lead. For the sequel John Woo took over from DePalma with dissapointing results. 'Mission: Impossible II' was an over-stylized mess. Things changed for the better when 'Lost'-creator J.J. Abrams decided to turn the third film into his feature film debut. With Abrams at the helm the franchise regained some of its former glory.

For 'Ghost Protocol' Pixar's veteran director Brad Bird joined the team. He's the genius behind some great animated features like 'The Iron Giant', 'The Incredibles' and 'Ratatouille'. While at first he seemed like an unlikely choice for 'Mission: Impossible' he appears to have delivered the best in the series. 

From a story point of view the film raises the stakes. When the Kremlin is bombed by an unknown organisation Ethan Hunt and his team are held responsible. It turns out they were set up by a fanatic called Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist) who wishes to bring about a nuclear war. His reasoning is that when the world has been destroyed mankind can rebuild civilization and live in peace. Yeah, it's not exactly the sanest of ideas.

'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' works because it mixes the tensest of moments with well-placed comedic ones. Most of the laughs are suplied by Simon Pegg who returns to his role as Benji. There's also a dark subplot about personal loss that keeps the film from becoming too carefree. But it's in the action and stunt sequences that director Brad Bird gets to show off his talents. For instance there's the much talked about scaling of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It's a breathtaking scene that will have you cringe in your seat. 

When it comes to the special effects the film was a tad dissapointing. The bombing of the Kremlin, for instance, looked like something out of a videogame. Many effects looked too shiny and perfect to be real, a shame for a multi-million dollar movie. 

Composer Michael Giacchino returns for the music. As with the third film he's faithful to Lalo Schifrin's memorable theme but also creates a full sound and identity for 'Ghost Protocol'. But without the iconic main theme the score would fall apart. I even wonder if the film would feel like 'Mission: Impossible' if it was absent. As with 'Indiana Jones' or 'James Bond' the music is as much a part of the franchise's identity as the main characters. The fact that I heard a bunch of twelve-year-olds humming Schifrin's theme should tell you enough.

'Ghost Protocol' proves that there's still life in this franchise. Tom Cruise is once again at the top of his game and the addition of new cast members such as Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton is more than welcome. There's no doubt in my mind that a fifth impossible mission will come along in a few years. But will Brad Bird return? Personally, I think he deserves to go on to bigger and better things. I like the idea of having a new director for every 'Mission: Impossible' movie and I look forward to discovering who will direct the next one.