Another day another Mission too far?

Rating: 4/10 (7 October 2012)

As the franchise has previously portrayed, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) embarks on a fanatical trail around the world in an attempt to salvage the planet from war intent or total terrorism. Although producer Cruise has succeeded upon his previous effort with Cameron Diaz, one cannot help to think that the Top Gun Maverick is running out of formidable roles to play. Playing it safe despite performing his own original stunts. Ghost Protocol achieves spectacular visualisation but the narrative suffers at a dispense of this. Although MI4 glamorises the beautiful nature of Budapest, Moscow, Mumbai and the heavyweight Burj Dubai, in correspondence to the efforts of the previous two outings for Ethan Hunt this 'mission' achieves supplementary recognition. Impressive gadgetry and high flying action sequences do relieve Bird's first non-animation outing of total embarrassment as it achieves an average viewing.
Simon Pegg's position as the technology nerd degrades the roles played by Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton, for who have bright career prospects, suggesting that Pegg doesn't fit the bill of being a recruit of the government within the secret service field. His performance consists of dry humour, possessing an overrated tone that distinguishes all motive of seriousness despite the film's cheesy overtones.
MI4 implements regular inductions of the twisting and turning techniques, keeping you engaged within the plot, diverting itself away from any potential deviances that may complicate the narrative whilst you're completely indulged by the re occurrence of Tom Cruise leaping from brick to brick. In comparison to Ethan Hunt's counterpart, Mr Bond, Hunt possesses a vulnerable tone which elevates the film to a new level. His team also band together their feelings; in particular William Brandt (Jeremy Renner) of who possesses a dark secret that has been bullish on his personally but ironically connects him to the central character. Hunt's nemesis Hendricks delivers an adequate act in contrast to Philip Seymour Hoffman's threat in MI3, perhaps of no fault of his own as the camera scarcely captures Michael Nyqvist characteristics as the rival protagonist.
Overall, despite MI4's triumphant first few weeks since its release, Tom Cruise's new blockbuster lacks multiple components to be remembered as one of the greatest foundations of the Spy-hero genre. Although Bird's effort possesses and encapsulates the characteristics of the genre and employs a relatively reliable cast, it somehow reminds us of one of those releases when placed onto the market on DVD format it perches itself on the shelf with moviegoers having difficulty contemplating whether or not it is an essential buy to add to their ultimate film collection.