Excellent but something was just... off

Rating: 7/10 (26 June 2015)

I watched this 4th Mission Impossible instalment immediately following the 3rd and in all honesty I was a bit underwhelmed. I can't quite explain it but this just fell flat for me somehow. That's not even the right word I mean its an excellent movie; gripping, stylish, fast paced with a big budget and multiple globe trotting locations as well as the incredible action scenes and stunts. -Yes this is the movie where Tom (actually) climbs the world's tallest recorded building in Dubai -and yes that an awesome sequence. But something was still just off for me.
I immediately missed the old team although I did like the addition of Jeremy Renner. Simon Pegg on the other hand, (as much as I adore him) I preferred in a smaller role, as his slapsticky sidekick routine got old fast here.
As a whole I didn't find the story as gripping as I'd expected and there were a lot of long drawn out scenes without dialogue, just stuff happening, like when they're in the Kremlin with the screen. Cool but it went on too long. There were also lots of subtitles and newscasters or voiceovers. It was just a totally different vibe than the other movies, which I guess can be a good thing, to keep a franchise fresh but it took me a while to get with the program here.
The story opens with superspy Tom being busted out of a Russian prison, then the Kremlin gets bombed with the blame falling on the Impossible Mission Team. Ethan Hunt then assembles a new team who travel the globe using every high-tech trick in the book to uncover the truth.
A few random thoughts: Where's the old team, doesn't feel the same without them I'm feeling a bit bored. His wife is what, just gone? Nice explication for her absence "after his wife, well you know." Where do they keep getting all these gadgets from along the way? Its not like they're small and fit in their luggage. Yay more robot like Tom running super fast. Cool sand storm never seen that done before. Okay that was awesome insert heart back in chest(re the building climb and swing back in the window) None of these magic gadgets are working very well Yay an explanation on Tom's wife And some cameos from the old team. Guess that will have to suffice. 6/8/15