Ghost Protocol delivers with intense action, cool settings

Rating: 8/10 (23 December 2011)

The Mission Impossible franchise has had some hits and some misses, but Ghost Protocol may be the best of the Mission Impossible movies. Tom Cruise is intense and focused as the spy Ethan Hunt, who is working to stop a nuclear terrorist. Tom Cruise has some great action scenes, and he is at his best in the chaos of chasing down bad guys.
Ghost Protocal introduces some new characters played by Paula Patton & Jeremy Renner. Paula does a great job as a fellow agent who seeks out revenge in working with Cruise. Jeremy Renner, who I loved in previous movies, starts out slow and forced as an "analyst" before getting into the flow as a spy with skills rivaling Tom Cruise.
Simon Pegg adds the comic relief as the team's IT genius. He has an understated manner that draws quite a few laughs. The spy team has good chemistry that strengthens the movie, and they all come off as believable spies. And, the main characters each have side stories that revolve around the main story, adding some depth to the movie.
While the storyline follows the standard good spies track down evil maniac, the highlight of the movie was some incredible settings. A Russian prison was a great opening to the movie, and Dubai and Mumbai provided unique and fascinating backdrops to the action. The skyscraper and sandstorm scenes were both thrilling and fun.
Overall, Ghost Protocol is worth a full price ticket. Tom Cruise is at his best as Ethan Hunt, the supporting cast is very good, the action is great, and the settings are amazing.
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