Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) Review

Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol (2011)

Ghost Protocol follows agent Ethan Hunt, who, after being framed for a terrorist attack on the Kremlin, must go off the grid to clear the IMF’s name and prevent the impending war between Russian and the U.S.

Ghost Protocol begins a new trilogy of sorts for the Mission Impossible series and it’s a change that breathes some much needed life into a run of movies that had run out of steam on where to go, upping the stakes significantly but returning back to it’s spy roots in a thrilling way that finally rivals (and far surpasses) what De Palma accomplished with the original. It’s obvious that with the 4th installment, Cruise and company just said, “fuck it, let’s have some fun”. A big emphasis was put on what really matters and this time around, it’s not just Hunt, it’s his team (something I expect more of moving forward). Sure, this means our villain gets sidelined for the most part, but part of me feels that that was intentional; he’s just another interchangeable face, why make him anything more. 

As I mentioned above, this one really returns to its spy roots and it’s such a blast to finally get to see them go back down that route, adding a stealthy element that feels perfectly in-line with what Ghost Protocol should signify. Plus, there’s the added benefit of some incredible set pieces that stick with that theme but wow us all the same, like Hunt climbing the Burj Khalifa (which was a completely practical stunt) and that insane sandstorm chase, that drive home just how visually and thematically exciting this entry is. 

We get a reinvigorated cast as well, starring Josh Holloway, Léa Seydoux, Michael Nyqvist, Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Tom Cruise. This is hands down Cruise’s best work in the role of Ethan Hunt yet, demonstrating a physicality and comedic prowess that worked super well alongside the newer cast of Renner and Pegg, propping him up as much more of an experienced leader this time around. 

Ghost Protocol, directed by Brad Bird, is exactly the breathe of fresh air this series needed, settling on a beautiful visual style that wows with insane stunts, enjoyable acting, and luxury of not being too complicated in the story department, allowing the narrative to move along easily. 

8.6/10