Proving that Mission Impossible is still the best action franchise out there

Rating: 9/10 (24 January 2012)

I think, in my opinion, Mission Impossible simply keeps getting better and better with each instalment. I am relieved and excited this film did so well because regardless of anything Tom Cruise does in his personal life he is still a stone cold movie star and fantastic at what he does. And Mission Impossible is fantastic as what it does. They managed to come back after a five year hiatus as if they didn't miss a beat and bring us absolutely everything that makes this series fantastic. Exotic locales, crazy gadgets, break neck action, edge of your seat thrills, a terrific new team, and continuity to the rest of the series. As always, the series starts right from square one with incredible action, a daring escape and an update on our favourite agent Ethan Hunt. I thought that Mission Impossible 4 had a bit less edge and dark to it especially with the addition of Simon Pegg on the team. But they didn't tone down the action for a moment and Cruise looks as smooth as he ever did doing the stunts and crazy scenes.
I hope that this is a comeback of sorts for star and producer Tom Cruise. This made me see the star quality that made Cruise who he is. He is simply bad-ass as Hunt and there has been a general progression to his character through these films since 1996 and Ethan is a little darker, a little more jaded, but still ready for anything. As much as they'd like co-star Jeremy Renner to take over this series I don't think it could survive without Cruise in some capacity. Jeremy Renner is, however, very good in his role as newcomer to the team Brandt. He has a dark side to him, and a mysterious background that adds to the plot. He has good chemistry with Cruise and doesn't take away from the star of the series. I was a little wary with having Simon Pegg as part of the main team. He was okay as a very small gadgets guy in Mission Impossible 3 and as it turns out he actually fit in pretty well in this one too. He was obviously the comic relief but it was used mostly carefully although I think still just a tad too much. Paula Patton is the newest lady on the team and she does well but I don't think she has quite the same amount of on screen charisma as previous Mission Impossible girls. Michael Nyqvist (of the original The Girl With Dragon Tattoo fame) is decent as the main villain. He certainly looks the part and does his job well enough although much like Patton I'm not sure he was the best villain in the series.
One of the most amazing scenes of the entire series and in action film history is the explosion of the Kremlin which was absolutely mind blowing special effects. As with previous instalments of the franchise there are just a few key scenes that are absolutely riveting and stunning to watch and as action fans you will want to cry out loud at how cool they really are. There is also some great cameos at the end for fans of the franchise that hold together that ever important continuity to the whole series. This is one action flick you can't let pass you by and if you have yet to see the entire series, then you're truly missing out, with the exception of Mission Impossible 2 which was a bit of a mis-step I think. This was one of the greats in 2011 as late in the year as it came. Keep them coming!! 9/10