Ethan Hunt Reaches New Heights
The Mission: Impossible trilogy has proven itself as a landmark franchise. Each film has its own distinctive flavor, unique storytelling methods, and a director’s personal vision that gives every entry its character. The movies differ quite a lot from one another, yet all maintain that signature Mission: Impossible spirit. Every fan likely has a favorite part of the trilogy—or at least one unforgettable scene worth bringing up whenever Tom Cruise and his team come into conversation. And here’s the key point: the fourth film became something of a culmination of everything that came before.
It absorbed the best aspects of each director’s style. The creators took familiar tricks, almost paying homage to the previous films, while still crafting a fresh, original adventure for Ethan Hunt. And it works beautifully. This installment turned out to be one of the most entertaining entries in the series.
Tom Cruise, as always, is on top of his game—literally this time. His daring stunt work on the world’s tallest building is unforgettable. He doesn’t shy away from danger and seems to genuinely enjoy throwing himself into these breathtaking, terrifying, and visually stunning sequences. The rush of jumps, chases, and explosions pulls you in completely. Film lovers recognize it as the kind of action spectacle they expect from an Ethan Hunt story—a perfect mix of thrills and showmanship. The movie seamlessly blends the stylish visuals of John Woo’s Mission: Impossible II (2000), the intrigue and tension of Brian De Palma’s original from the mid-’90s, and the human drama J.J. Abrams brought in M:I III (2006). Just a bit of everything, only the best parts—and of course, new challenges for our heroes. This is blockbuster entertainment in its purest form.
The cast is, once again, solid. It changes slightly each time, with only Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames remaining constants. Unfortunately, Rhames plays a smaller role here, but in his place steps a standout character performed by Simon Pegg. He’s fun to watch, clever, and adds a much-needed dose of humor. Cruise, true to form, smashes through obstacles, outsmarts his foes with gadgets, and wins every fight with unstoppable determination. The opening prison scene especially stuck with me—his mix of cool-headed wit and reckless daring sets the tone perfectly.
Jeremy Renner is another strong addition. His character, Brandt, is mysterious and keeps you guessing throughout. Renner delivers a nuanced performance, making you constantly wonder whose side he’s really on. A great addition to the franchise. Paula Patton, Léa Seydoux, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, and Josh Holloway all get their moments too, and each one shines in their role.
Visually, the film feels modern and dynamic. You can sense how both the world and the series itself evolve from movie to movie. That freshness keeps things engaging. The action set pieces are imaginative, avoiding repetition from past installments. The cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking locations—from Moscow to the dazzling Burj Khalifa.
"Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" is pure spectacle: a top-tier blockbuster that delivers two hours of thrilling, visually striking entertainment. It’s a demanding production that succeeds on all fronts—beautifully shot, gripping in story, memorable in its characters, and a visual feast from start to finish.
9 out of 10