Is to go see this movie!
Yes, this is a bit of a warm-up for Renner as he is currently filming as the lead role in The Bourne Legacy (somewhat of a conundrum since Matt Damon isn’t in it and neither is Renner playing Bourne), but Renner is also seen as a replacement for Cruise in the Mission Impossible series, should the veteran actor decide to retire Ethan Hunt from any more impossible missions. Combined with his role as Hawkeye in The Avengers, that makes Renner one busy guy!
At first glance, a third sequel in an over-decade old film series starring an actor pushing 50 and directed by someone who before this has only directed cartoons does not sound very promising. But Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is breathlessly energetic and surprisingly thrilling.
Forget Scientology and jumping on Oprah’s couch, Tom Cruise remains one of the best, if not the best, action stars in the world. He’s a great actor, capable of a range of emotions, but can be funny too. As Ethan Hunt in Ghost Protocol, Cruise gets to show off all the things that he does best, including his action-star run which is unrivaled in Hollywood.
And by the end of the movie, you’ll feel like you have been running too, as almost every second of the movie is infused with pulse-pounding action and jaw-dropping stunts. There are four main missions in the film and each one is a fascinating combination of futuristic (yet believable) technology and impressive physical feats.
The scene in Dubai is particularly impressive when we watch Cruise dangle over a hundred stories in the air as he scales Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest building. Part of what makes this scene so impressive is that, along with many other scenes in the film, it was filmed in IMAX so that if you see it in an IMAX theater, you truly feel as though you are over a hundred stories in the air. It literally takes your breath away. Cruise, by the way, did all of his own stunts; so that's really him you see up there!
Dubai is certainly the best scene in the film; however it makes the last action sequence of the film seem not quite as exciting in comparison, even though the finale is an extraordinary scene in and of itself. So there is a bit of a momentum problem in the Final Act. There is also the overused plot, essentially a mad scientist (Michael Nyqvist) wants to set off a nuclear weapon and start World War 3, but frankly Ghost Protocol is such an exciting film that this is an issue which is easily forgiven.
The last couple minutes are also pretty corny, however the rest of the film is filled with interesting character moments, at least compared with the rest of the Mission Impossible films. Owl-faced Simon Pegg returns as Benji, who has been promoted to a field agent this time around and provides most of the film’s humor. Paula Patton, Anil Kapoor, Léa Seydoux, Josh Holloway, and Tom Wilkinson all do well in their supporting roles, but the character to really watch is Jeremy Renner’s novice Agent Brandt.
Forget Scientology and jumping on Oprah’s couch, Tom Cruise remains one of the best, if not the best, action stars in the world. He’s a great actor, capable of a range of emotions, but can be funny too. As Ethan Hunt in Ghost Protocol, Cruise gets to show off all the things that he does best, including his action-star run which is unrivaled in Hollywood.
And by the end of the movie, you’ll feel like you have been running too, as almost every second of the movie is infused with pulse-pounding action and jaw-dropping stunts. There are four main missions in the film and each one is a fascinating combination of futuristic (yet believable) technology and impressive physical feats.
The scene in Dubai is particularly impressive when we watch Cruise dangle over a hundred stories in the air as he scales Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest building. Part of what makes this scene so impressive is that, along with many other scenes in the film, it was filmed in IMAX so that if you see it in an IMAX theater, you truly feel as though you are over a hundred stories in the air. It literally takes your breath away. Cruise, by the way, did all of his own stunts; so that's really him you see up there!
Dubai is certainly the best scene in the film; however it makes the last action sequence of the film seem not quite as exciting in comparison, even though the finale is an extraordinary scene in and of itself. So there is a bit of a momentum problem in the Final Act. There is also the overused plot, essentially a mad scientist (Michael Nyqvist) wants to set off a nuclear weapon and start World War 3, but frankly Ghost Protocol is such an exciting film that this is an issue which is easily forgiven.
The last couple minutes are also pretty corny, however the rest of the film is filled with interesting character moments, at least compared with the rest of the Mission Impossible films. Owl-faced Simon Pegg returns as Benji, who has been promoted to a field agent this time around and provides most of the film’s humor. Paula Patton, Anil Kapoor, Léa Seydoux, Josh Holloway, and Tom Wilkinson all do well in their supporting roles, but the character to really watch is Jeremy Renner’s novice Agent Brandt.
Yes, this is a bit of a warm-up for Renner as he is currently filming as the lead role in The Bourne Legacy (somewhat of a conundrum since Matt Damon isn’t in it and neither is Renner playing Bourne), but Renner is also seen as a replacement for Cruise in the Mission Impossible series, should the veteran actor decide to retire Ethan Hunt from any more impossible missions. Combined with his role as Hawkeye in The Avengers, that makes Renner one busy guy!
Finally, Ghost Protocol is a triumphant accomplishment for director Brad Bird, the filmmaker who has brought us such films as The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Iron Giant. Bird's experience in animation has clearly helped him in contributing to the character development provided by the writers (some of J.J. Abrams' buddies from Alias) and in delivering the fluid and visually stunning action sequences.
Ultimately, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is not only the best Mission Impossible film, but also the best action film of 2011. Tom Cruise is better than ever and his supporting cast is great too. And the breathtaking action never stops. In other words, mission accomplished.
The Final Word: Go buy an IMAX ticket.
Ultimately, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is not only the best Mission Impossible film, but also the best action film of 2011. Tom Cruise is better than ever and his supporting cast is great too. And the breathtaking action never stops. In other words, mission accomplished.
The Final Word: Go buy an IMAX ticket.
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