Thursday, December 22, 2011

Guess Who's Back.... Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol


J.J. Abrams returns for the fourth installment of the Mission Impossible series with the newest edition, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. I must admit I was definitely looking forward to this coming out especially during the holiday season, considering our options for movies have been pretty slim as of lately. So its been five years since we last saw Ethan Hunt and his team take on a mission, one that they chose to accept…and the wait was worth it!

Now I will not divulge too much of the story so as to not ruin it for you, just wet your palette enough to make sure you go an purchase a ticket. So in essence the basic plot is that a terrorist group bombs the Kremlin in Russia and IMF has been framed for it. As a result of these actions, the POTUS decides to initiate Operation Ghost Protocol, which primarily means that the entire IMF organization is disavowed, in other words Ethan and his team are on their own, "No Plan, No Backup, No Choice".

Now the story is not necessarily anything new or out of this world, but it doesn’t have to be as long as it keeps the action going and the story make sense that works for me! As far as it relates to the characters this was a pretty cohesive unit. This was a good mix of actors and actresses bringing that much needed holiday action. Each one should be commended for all around good performances. Simon Pegg was delightful as Benji and even had the nerve to “grow some balls” and show off more than just his “techy” skills. Jeremy Renner provides us with a debonair performance, and Paula Patton lets us know she's not just a "good girl". And of course, Tom Cruise is always great as Ethan Hunt (we expect nothing less) even as he gets older he doesn’t seem to miss a beat. And what’s a spy film without a great villain a female one at that, although she is not the lone villain, she definitely stands out, there is truly a presence and sense of danger from the female assassin, Sabine Moreau (Lea Seydoux), striking yet cold and heartless, completely devoid of compassion.


Now I will admit in one of the fight scenes, it would have been nice if the fight between Paula Patton and Lea Seydoux was just a little bit more engaging. I feel like they watered it down just a little considering they indirectly hyped it up. After what this woman did to the man that you loved you would have expected a little bit more “kick-ass”, but I digress. However don’t sleep on Ms. Patton as Carter she is as sexy as she is deadly. 
  
Now the action sequences themselves are imaginative, unyielding, exciting and tense all combined in one basket. Pretty decent CGI, mind blowing sound, and you definitely get the feeling that you not only see but feel every punch and kick as well as the explosions. Hands down one of the greatest scenes is with Ethan and world’s tallest building in Dubai (and that’s all I’m going to say on that one). Put it like this it’s shot in IMAX, and you will get the feeling that you are right there with him! Even at the ripe age of 49, Cruise can still manage to pull off some of his own stunts including the one mentioned above. Kudos!!


Lest we not forget, no 'Mission Impossible' film would be complete without the exotic on-site locations, fancy gadgets and big explosions- but there is a certain luster that shines by which director Brad Bird amasses all these elements into one package. As we the viewer take the journey with Ethan and the team moving from Russia to Dubai to Mumbai we are in second heaven! Next time take me with you Bird I can get your coffee and run your errands (just kidding…lol).

As a whole, MI:GP was an excellent and gratifying film, one that I might have to check out again. This fourth installment definitely beats the 2nd and 3rd one, but nothing will top the first one. This film came close to perfect but unfortunately there were some water down and far-fetched scenes that took away those points. From the beginning to the end, the film blasts off into overdrive this is a ride that you will not want to get off of too quickly!! With all the action, gadgets, sharp suits/fly dresses, and blazing hot rides it is sure to convince you into becoming a spy film fan if you are not already!! 

Rating: 3.5 out 5 stars

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G-Breezy's Favorite Movies

  • Bourne Identity/Supremacy/Ultimatum
  • Die Hard series
  • Do the Right Thing
  • Fracture
  • Idlewild
  • Imitation of Life
  • Inside Man
  • James Bond series
  • Love Jones
  • Malcolm X