MI4 ... best in the series. waiting for more

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2011)

Saw the movie recently. Had lots of expectations, as usual from a MI movie and believe me, I was not disappointed. I went home entertained. That is what I am anyway paying for.
The plot to start with is not new. But, it more than makes up for it with brisk pace, excellent special effects and mind blowing stunts. Importantly, the way all these have been meshed into the story make an average story into a fantastic movie.
The movie starts off in Budapest with a prison break scene. This scene has some nice hand to hand fights but frankly this portion was slightly overdone. This sequence could have done with some chopping.
After that, its a roller coaster ride... you do not even get time to catch your breath. The story moves to Kremlin wherein the IMF gets accused of an attempt to bomb the Kremlin. Situations are such that all the evidence points towards the role of the IMF in the situation.
In the Kremlin, there is one sequence that caught my attention in terms of gadgetry. The optical illusion thing when Tom and Simon are checking the records room is funny and interesting.
The IMF is disavowed and the mentor murdered. Tom and his team are racing against time to nail the megalomaniac villain who believes that end of mankind is necessary for a new world to start. The villain needed a bit of strengthening ... his character has not been fully etched. Frankly speaking, I liked the female assassin better as she was strong, cold blooded and vicious to the core. I would not like to say anything more ... it is for others to watch and judge.
Now coming to the highlights ... there are many actually. Have already mentioned the optical illusion bit. Then there is the action scene at Burj Khalifa. It just sends your adrenalin rushing. The climax sequence at the automated car park in Mumbai is a fitting finale to the movie.
The hero of the movie is actually not Tom Cruise but the director Brad Bird. He is the real star and its simply amazing the way he has made a transition from animation to a live action movie.
I am definitely going to watch it again. Normally, sequels are not that good, but MI3 was better than MI1 which itself was a classic. MI4 has exceeded all of them. I am extremely eager to watch the next movie whenever it is made.