breathtaking

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2011)

I've pretty much enjoyed all the Mission Impossible films- they forced me to re-evaluate my derisive opinion of Tom Cruise. I really, really liked the third film so I'm surprised to be able to say this is the best. By far.
Cruise is on top form in this movie, and against all my expectations turns in an exceptional performance. It's hard to believe that he is almost half a century old. He throws himself into dazzling action sequences that would defeat many actors twenty years younger. Back in the day action heroes of fifty were dreadful old codgers like Roger Moore and the rest of the decrepit cast of Sea Wolves etc.
The story is convoluted but gripping and maintained my interest. The IMF team suffer a series of reverses and nothing works out how you think it will.
The cast are uniformly excellent- Simon Pegg can do no wrong, Paula Paton is sexy and believably tough and after being initially skeptical of Jeremy Renner I heartily embraced his character by the end. I'd be delighted to see them all again in another movie.
Brad Bird is a new name to me- I don't really watch animation- but he gives an impeccable account of himself here. There are some stunning visual sequences, heart stopping moments and a couple of laugh out moments.
Do yourself a favour. See this on the big screen. It really is worth it.